Miami Heat: Individual player grades for the 2017-18 starting five

Hassan Whiteside – C

If there’s one thing Heat fans are going to remember about the 2017-18 season, it’s the drama surrounding Whiteside. Which is a shame considering how much potential the big man showcased just last year.

He finished 2016-17 averaging a career-high 17.0 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks a matchup, proving he earned his new four-year, $98 million contract. Which in turn, caused fans to only expect more of their center, come this season. But unfortunately, he regressed, having averaged 14.0 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks.

At first, it seemed like Whiteside would deliver. Heck, he recorded 26 points and 22 rebounds in 36 minutes (shooting 11-for-17) in Miami’s opener, on October 18.

But then, he was sidelined for five games.

And although he scored 13 points and grabbed 14 rebounds versus the Chicago Bulls on November 1, his first game back, he simply wasn’t able to consistently give the Heat what they needed from him thereon out.

However, his lackluster run wasn’t completely in his control.

On November 29, the 7-footer was once again sidelined, this time for 13 games, sitting out yet another nine in March. He only saw time in 54 contests on the year (compared to 77 the season prior), and was held to limited minutes in a handful of them.

So between his injuries and Spoelstra’s arguably poor usage of him thereafter, it’s only normal for Whiteside’s production to have taken a hit.

The problem was more so his attitude.

While his frustration was understandable at times, the 28-year-old too often vented to members of the press, as well as via his personal social media channels. This type of behavior not only rubbed fans the wrong way but clearly didn’t sit well with the likes of president Pat Riley, who called the center unprepared for the playoffs, during an exit interview.

Now the question is, will Whiteside still be in Miami come next fall?