Offense
As a pure scorer, Whiteside made some strides. While his shooting percentage dipped a bit (55.9 as opposed to 58.7 for his career), he’s already logged nearly 200 more points this year than last, knocking down almost 100 more shots in the process.
Many will point to the slight reduction in efficiency as to a reason to overlook this, but averaging three more minutes per game while logging over 200 more than last season certainly makes up for it.
Whiteside's shot chart so far. Not bad for playing nearly 300 more minutes than last year. pic.twitter.com/2CNIHndsQ6
— Cory Sanning (@CorySanning) April 7, 2017
Playing alongside veterans such as Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, Joe Johnson and, for a small amount of time, Chris Bosh, naturally leads to fewer shot attempts. It also leads to more open looks, hence the slight drop in efficiency.
Whiteside has also dominated on a more consistent basis. So far this season, Whiteside has recorded 26 games with 20 points or more. Before this year, he’d never recorded 30 or more points in one game during his entire career. He’s done it four times now this season. Miami has not boasted a center capable of this type of offensive production since Shaquille O’Neal 10 years ago.
The Heat have benefited when Whiteside is on the court.
Miami is much more effective on the offensive end with Whiteside in the lineup, averaging nearly four more points and shoot nearly three percent better from the field, per NBA.com.
Points (Per 100 Possessions)
Whiteside on court: 106.4
Whiteside off court: 102.8
Field Goal Percentage (Per 100 Possessions)
On court: 46.5
Off court: 43.6
It’s no surprise that the Heat are more efficient with their 7-footer on the floor, but they’re also better from three-point range. With Whiteside on the floor to draw the defense inside, Miami shoots much better from beyond the arc.
Three Point Percentage (Per 100 Possessions)
On court: 38.2
Off court: 33.9
Either way you dice it, Whiteside has developed into a much more effective force on the offensive end of the floor. And he’s still getting better.
As most know, Whiteside doesn’t exactly possess the most polished post moves in the NBA. His back-to-the-basket game has been suspect since the Heat took a chance on him, and the sight of his jump-hook can be flat-out gut wrenching at times.
Not to say he hasn’t had his moments, he certainly has, like here:
Hassan Whiteside with the post moves!#HeatIsOn https://t.co/1WM6CxS3wk
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) December 7, 2016
How often do we see that, though? While I can definitely live without Whiteside’s jumpers (including those fadeaways), I’d like to see some consistency develop. Better that than a slowed down back-to-the-basket attack. This isn’t the time for Dwight Howard 2.0.