Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside was pulled early in the second half because Erik Spoelstra wasn’t happy with his effort.
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra is no stranger to scrutiny. For years, many questioned whether he was the right man for the job after rising up from a role as a video coordinator, and after open feuds with superstar talents LeBron James and Dwyane Wade, many were calling for Pat Riley to step in.
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The same can be said of rising star Hassan Whiteside, who’s journey to the NBA spotlight has been one of many twists and turns. From his days in the D-League to spending time overseas, the odds were certainly stacked against him, as well.
Despite them sharing an unlikely journey, they have contrasting personalities. Something that came to a boil last night, during Miami’s 114-84 blowout loss to the Cavaliers in Cleveland. With about 9:18 left in the third period, Spoelstra shockingly pulled Whiteside out of the game in favor of Willie Reed.
"“I just wanted some more energy, some more life on the glass, defending pick and rolls. So that was a coaching decision.” Spoelstra said.“That’s what he thought. So that’s the decision he made,” Whiteside said."
Whiteside, who finished the night with eight points on 4-for-10 shooting in 28 minutes, did not return until the start of the fourth quarter, by which Cleveland had built an insurmountable lead.
It was after this play, in which Whiteside allowed Tristan Thompson an easy lane to the basket off a pick-and-roll with James, that he was pulled.
Before the game, Spoelstra was clear in what he expects from the young center.
"“I want him to dominate at the rim. And that’s at both ends of the court.” Spoelstra said. “He has to. And that’s what he’s starting to understand. If he does not dominate at the rim, in the paint, we don’t have a chance to win. And that’s what great players have to shoulder. That’s the responsibility of a great player.”"
Whiteside struggled defensively, and failed to record a block for just the second time this season.
"“On the defensive end, I was mostly out at the 3-point line most of the game.” Whiteside said. “The rebounds I could get, I got. The jump hooks I normally get, I got. So it wasn’t a really a matter of wanting to dominate.”“I really don’t know what I got to do. I really don’t know. I’m not going to lie to you,” Whiteside said, sitting at his locker with his head perched downward. “I’m coming out here and playing as hard as I can. I don’t know. I really don’t know.”"
Of Whiteside’s struggles, Spoelstra added, “It happens in this league. This league is for competitors only.”
Up next
With Luke Babbitt, Justise Winslow, Dion Waiters, and James Johnson all back in Miami rehabilitating injuries, the Heat limp into Saturday’s showdown against Dwyane Wade and the Chicago Bulls. Josh Richardson is expected back, but in reality, will that change the end result?
Already in a 7-16 hole and 13th in the east, things could potentially get ugly for Miami and its $98 million man really quick.
While Whiteside did admit his knee was bothering him, both he and Spoelstra downplayed the issue.
Either way, it is clear that Whiteside still has some inevitable growing pains. Going from minimum-salary wonder to face-of-the-franchise in a matter of three months is no easy transition. Even so, it’s a role Whiteside embraced coming into the season, and with the Heat now in a rut, its time for the 27-year-old to grab the reigns and lead by example.
Indeed it is, and with his season slowly slipping away, it’s time Whiteside comes to that same reality.