Hassan Whiteside will grab the reigns of the franchise
Many thought Whiteside may take a step back after signing a four-year, maximum contract last offseason.
The naysayers were wrong.
Appearing in 77 games, Whiteside averaged career-highs in points (17) and rebounds (14) while shooting 56 percent from the field and rejecting a healthy two shots per game.
He shot 63 percent from the free throw line and played over 33 minutes each outing, but that still wasn’t enough to propel the Heat to a playoff berth. This season, that will all change.
Entering his physical prime, Whiteside will be a force to be reckoned with on both offense and defense.
If he continues to develop at the same rate, Whiteside will average 20 points and 10-plus rebounds this season. For Miami to have a chance, even in the watered-down Eastern Conference, no. 21 must impose his will.
He’ll also lead the league in rebounding for the second straight season. While DeAndre Jordan and Andre Drummond may have a thing or two to say about that, bank on Whiteside coming away on top once again. Nobody will attack the glass with the same level of intensity as this man will, and that’s scary for the rest of the East.
If Whiteside can manage to fully push his ego to the side and sacrifice his body often, he could be one of the best big men in basketball.
Physically and naturally gifted, expect to see a whole new monster emerge this year.