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Miami Heat: Hassan Whiteside is headed to Africa

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - APRIL 3: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat exits the arena after the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 3, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - APRIL 3: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat exits the arena after the game against the Atlanta Hawks on April 3, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat big man Hassan Whiteside is taking a trip this summer.

The Miami Heat’s season may not start up again until October, but that doesn’t mean Hassan Whiteside won’t be balling out this summer.

In fact, he’s traveling all the way to Africa to get in a hoop session.

The center will be playing in the NBA’s Africa Game on August 4, which exists as a part of the league’s Basketball Without Borders program. Last year, it was head coach Erik Spoelstra who represented the organization.

Whiteside will be competing on Team World, alongside the likes of DeMar DeRozan, Rudy Gay and Khris Middleton.

As for the opposition? Well, the 7-footer will get a chance to face off against rival Joel Embiid.

Embiid, who is a part of Team Africa, will be joined by guys like Bismack Biyombo, Evan Fournier and Serge Ibaka.

So fans can certainly expect some competitive play, from both sides.

For instance, the last time Whiteside and Embiid really went at it, Miami’s big man finished with 26 points in 29 minutes on 9-of-12 shooting, while also grabbing six rebounds and two blocks. He got under Embiid’s skin, holding him to 17 points and seven rebounds, as well as five personal fouls.

The Philadelphia 76ers center even accused Whiteside of playing dirty, after he claimed he took an elbow to the back.

The Heat also have a somewhat checkered past with Ibaka, after he threw a punch at James Johnson. Both were ejected during a matchup on January 10, and suspended for one game thereafter.

Whiteside should also appreciate facing off against both Biyombo and Fournier, with a history of playing well against the Orlando Magic.

In Miami’s season-opener, he finished with 26 points and 22 rebounds, showcasing his skills on both ends of the floor. And although Fournier had a good game himself, totaling 23 points on 9-of-17 shooting, Biyombo was held to only nine points and five rebounds.

So far, this offseason hasn’t been kind to Whiteside. After being limited during the Heat’s first round playoff run against the 76ers, and taking to the media to speak out against it, many fans are ready to see No. 21 traded off.

However, there’s still plenty of time for Whiteside to change his narrative. And participating in something like the NBA Africa Game seems like a great place to start. Especially if he ends up performing beyond people’s expectations.

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Whiteside will have to hold things down for the Miami Heat for at least a while longer.

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