Miami Heat big man Hassan Whiteside is still developing his game

Back from injury, Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside is trying to up his game.

Hassan Whiteside is no stranger to Miami Heat Basketball. With this marking his fourth season with the team, the center embodies everything the organization stands for.

However, that doesn’t mean he still doesn’t have more to learn.

Which is exactly what he’s doing now. Having just returned from another bone bruise in his knee that had him sidelined for 13 games, he’s trying to find his way back to a different system than he’s used to. One that actually caters more to big men.

"“We changed our offense a lot since the beginning of the year,” said Whiteside. We put it in the big man’s hands a lot more.”"

Between him, Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk, the Heat are certainly using size to their advantage. The best part being that each of these guys have entirely different skill-sets, making Miami a well-rounded squad.

But Whiteside isn’t satisfied with status quo. Because while his strengths in the paint are vital to the Heat’s offense and defense, he can still do more for the team. And right now, that means becoming a better passer.

"“He’s been very studious and he’s been saying the right things,” head coach Erik Spoelstra Spoelstra. “He doesn’t have to thread the needle, he doesn’t have to do Arvydas Sabonis type passes. He just has to get us into a coherent action that forces two on the ball and then we can play from there.”"

So far, so good.

In the team’s Saturday win over the Orlando Magic, Whiteside finished with nine points and 13 rebounds in 29 minutes. But it was his four assists that had everyone talking, as the 28-year-old only averages 0.4 over his career.

The center is also doing whatever it takes to consistently set high-level screens. Having spoken out about the issue in November, many felt Whiteside was being stubborn, unwilling to listen to the constructive criticism of management and his teammates.

"“I mean, it’s just, it’s just, man, the guys aren’t being patient,” Whiteside said, defending his screen-setting. Me and D-Wade showed that all year long. We ain’t had no problems.”"

Fortunately, he has since changed his mindset, having one of his best screen-setting games just one day later. He finished with five screen assists, calling for praise from Spoelstra.

And now, Whiteside is taking things to the next level. Against Orlando, he finished with 10 screen assists, contributing to Miami’s victory in a major way. It was his success at creating looks for his teammates that helped get Tyler Johnson his 31 points, and Goran Dragic his 25.

Next: Miami Heat: 3 New Year's resolutions for the 2017-18 team

Miami Heat fans should certainly expect more from Hassan Whiteside in the new year.