Miami Heat: It’s time for fans to stand behind Hassan Whiteside

Hassan Whiteside is ready to move past last year.

Hassan Whiteside isn’t perfect.

And unfortunately, his 2017-18 campaign with the Miami Heat made that crystal clear.

Between lackluster effort on the court and airing his frustration to the media off of it, the man in the middle made it difficult to sympathize with him last year.

Still, Heat Nation’s recent distaste for Whiteside seems a bit over-the-top, especially considering how great of a role injuries played in his turbulent season. Nevermind that the center continuously showed love for his fans, even throughout his vexation with management.

But regardless of whether or not he deserved to be put down to such an extent, it’s time for everyone to come together and once again support No. 21. After all, it’s clear that both president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra fully intent to keep moving forward with Whiteside.

And what’s more is that the 29-year-old himself is ready to start a new chapter.

Recently, Whiteside spoke on his current relationship with Riley and Spoelstra, showcasing an upbeat attitude regarding his future on the team.

"“We had a great talk. I just think it’s trust on both sides. I think that’s the biggest thing … It was about a four-hour meeting. It was a lot about life. It was two hours basketball, two hours life. It was a good meeting.”"

This echoed Riley’s sentiment of Whiteside and Spoelstra bridging the gap this summer.

The big man also explained that his questionable behavior was merely a result of being sidelined for so long.

"“I think the biggest thing is I just want to be out there. It wasn’t about nothing else. I just wanted to be out there as much as possible. I think [I’ll play more] because I’ll be healthy. Last year, I wasn’t healthy… [Now] I feel great. I feel a lot better than I did during the season. I’m completely healed. I feel like my regular self again.”"

A healthy Whiteside is great news for the Heat, who got career-high production out of him just a year prior. In 2016-17, he averaged 17.0 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks a game in 32.6 minutes of play; numbers that he’s looking forward to getting back to.

His first step towards that goal? Representing Team World in the NBA’s 2018 Africa Game.

One of the highlights of the trip for Whiteside is playing against Luol Deng, who he called one of the best teammates he’s ever had.

Of course, there’s also going head-to-head versus rival Joel Embiid, who got the best of him during Miami’s first round playoff run. While the 7-footers are used to competing against one another, the two just had a chance to connect off the court for the first time, during a teleconference.

Whiteside’s trip abroad should also help bring a new, more insightful perspective into fall training camp.

"“I just wanted to come out here and just connect with Africa and get to see a different side of the world,” Whiteside said. “Get in the community, experience the camps, get to see guys around the league and just make the world a better place.”"

Although it’s too soon to tell if Whiteside will really be able to change his narrative come 2018-19, it’s only fair fans give him the benefit of the doubt.

It’s time to get back to supporting Miami Heat’s starting center.