Is Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside trying to turn things around?
2017-18 certainly wasn’t Hassan Whiteside’s year.
As if injuries and minute restrictions weren’t bad enough on their own, they left the Miami Heat center frustrated, ultimately resulting in him being loose-lipped to the press and via his own social media.
Naturally, this didn’t sit well with neither the organization nor fans; which in turn, now has many speculating that the Heat will try and trade him away this offseason.
Easy enough, right?
Whiteside didn’t perform to his potential and had a bad attitude on top of it, so away he goes.
Well, not so fast.
Because even if you are of the mindset that No. 21 doesn’t deserve another season to prove his worth, his trade value isn’t exactly top shelf right now. Which means it may be tough to first find an interested team, and then make sure a decent return package is presented.
Especially when even after averaging just 5.2 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.2 blocks over five playoff games, Whiteside was still on the defensive.
Hassan Whiteside — "There's a difference between 'you can't shoot and you're not allowed’ [to shoot]" 👀 pic.twitter.com/vgQ9yiT3sJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 23, 2018
Probably not the best way to play it. Regardless of if he’s looking to be moved or not.
However, things may finally be turning around for the 7-footer.
For starters, he’s joining Team World in the August 4 NBA Africa Game, a pretty big honor considering how few players are participating. This event also gives Whiteside a chance to showcase his talents on a whole different platform, and potentially redeem his lackluster postseason champaign.
(Fans should definitely expect him to go hard, given he’s once again facing off against rival Joel Embiid.)
Whiteside also seems to be trying to change his own narrative by posting more positive content on his social media platforms. Just recently, he shared a video of himself from Miami’s locker room at 2 AM, explaining how he’s been on the grind this whole time.
https://twitter.com/Heat_Reddit/status/1005165787949207552
In the entirety of the video, Whiteside says:
"“Hey, you know what’s crazy? You know what’s crazy? If people think just because you don’t show it on social media, it ain’t happening. And grind is always happening. That’s the problem — too many people think stuff is given to you. Nuh uh.”"
A good message, no doubt. And hopefully the start of seeing a different side to the 28-year-old.
Over the past year, Whiteside has made no mention of wanting to leave South Florida. Between constantly showing love to Heat Nation and remaining close with his teammates even off the court, the center seemed to have no intention of finding a home elsewhere.
Even after a rant to the media which included the phrase “there’s a lot of teams that could use a center,” Whiteside gave no indication of asking for a trade in the near future.
Which makes it even more important for him to get back in the organization’s good graces.
Next: Miami Heat: Individual player grades for the 2017-18 starting five
It’s unclear whether or not Hassan will remain with the Miami Heat, but either way, here’s to him getting back to his old ways soon.