Three years ago, Hassan Whiteside was in the D-League. Today, he’s on the Miami Heat and known as one of the best two-way centers in the league.
In several ways, watching Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside is a lot like a thrilling roller coaster ride. At its heights, it can be the most exciting, spectacular experience. At its worst, it’s relatively mediocre, but all-in-all, a consistent thrill.
There’s no doubt Whiteside had some rough patches this year, and the team suffered because of it. At one point, the Heat were 11-30 with less than a one percent chance at making the postseason.
But, like only an Erik Spoesltra-coached team could, he came alive when Miami needed him the very most, and showed that not only is he a tremendous anchor on the defensive end, but is among the very best rebounders in the league (the best, if I can be honest) and a capable force on the offensive end.
After a season in which Whiteside averaged career-highs in points and rebounds, it’s quite clear that he’ll be remembered for far more than just rejecting layups into the stands.
His effort, his desire, and his attention span all made strides this season, and it was evidently clear that his primary focus was winning, not numbers.
Spoelstra seems to agree, also.
"“I think some of his biggest strides have been the winning plays in some of the game where he only had nine rebounds and he loved it,” Spoelstra said, via the Palm Beach Post. “He loved winning, he loved those moments of impacting winning of enjoying someone else’s success. I think that’s the biggest part of his growth.”"
With that being said, let’s take a look at his season.