Hassan Whiteside has shown tremendous growth this season

Jan 17, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) guards Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) guards Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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After inking a monster deal with the Miami Heat last offseason, Hassan Whiteside showed no signs of slowing down, posting career-highs in nearly every statistical category.

Jan 17, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) guards Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) guards Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Both in sports and in life, an individual’s strength and perseverance help define them as a person. Whether you’re on the highest mountain or in deepest valley, it takes true character to fight through the pain, and the same could be said about Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside.

Amidst all of Miami’s struggles as a team, 2016-17 has been quite the year for the young center.

Through 79 games played, he’s posting career-highs in points (16.9), rebounds (14.1), and minutes (32.7) all while effectively clogging the lane and swatting away two shots per game.

Not only that, but also Whiteside boasts his highest offensive rebounding rate since entering the league in 2010, hauling in 3.8 offensive boards per night.