Grading the Miami Heat a quarter through the season

By Simon Smith | Dec 7, 2016

Nov 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Johnson (8) celebrates after making a three point basket against the Sacramento Kings during overtime at American Airlines Arena. The Miami Heat defeat the Sacramento Kings 108-96 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Hassan Whiteside

Season numbers: 18.0 PPG, 14.8 RPG, 0.8 APG, 55.8 FG%, 33.4 MPG, 21 GP

Whiteside has simply been outstanding to this point of the season. He is most definitely living up to the billing of ‘max-player’ after signing his $98 million contract in the offseason. The noticeable difference of how the Heat function with him on and off the court is a testament to his early season dominance. His post game has improved noticeably, with his footwork and touch around the hoop proving a nightmare for opposing defenders.

On the defensive end, Whiteside’s block numbers are down from last season, averaging 2.6 blocks per game. However, this can be due to to teams planning further to score in different ways when coming up against him. Furthermore, it would be interesting to have a running count of the amount of shot attempts from opponents that have been altered and rendered useless simply due to the presence of Whiteside in the paint.

With the injury list growing on the eve of another three-game road trip, Whiteside’s contributions are going to be as important as ever in the Heat’s visits to Atlanta, Cleveland and Chicago.

A debut all-star appearance is also definitely on the cards for the 27 year-old Whiteside.

Grade: A

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