Hassan Whiteside has shown tremendous growth this season
By Cory Sanning
Defense
Whiteside is fourth in the NBA in blocks per game (2.1) and it’s that rim protection that makes him the anchor of Miami’s defense.
As Couper Moorhead wrote in March, Whiteside’s presence in the middle helps deter ball handlers from the rim. As a result, the Heat have one of the best pick-and-roll defenses in the NBA.
"“The team has taken pride in its pick-and-roll coverage all season, and according to player tracking data they are tied with the Golden State Warriors as the best against direct pick-and-rolls (shots within one pass of the action). That coverage allows for tighter spacing on shooters which leads to shorter, more controlled closeouts which leads to less penetration. That coverage allows players like McGruder and Josh Richardson to pressure the ball and fight over screens – allows them a degree of agency the league’s most conservative schemes can often strip from a defender.”"
Next: Steph Curry Splashing In South Beach?
This has been Whiteside’s best season of his career, and he’s well on his way to earning every penny of that big contract he signed. It’s really quite remarkable how far he’s come since joining the Heat three years ago, and there’s still nowhere to go but up.