Miami Heat: So far, so good on Hassan Whiteside’s comeback

Miami Heat big man Hassan Whiteside has already more than put last season behind him.

There’s many people who would argue that NBA preseason is meaningless.

And generally, they’re not wrong.

After all, a team’s record coming out of the beginning of October is worthless.

Rotations don’t always make the cut.

And often times unsigned players who shine bright out of training camp, unfortunately still don’t end up with a guaranteed contract when it’s all said and done.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean everything that goes on during that stretch should be ignored.

Which is absolutely the case when it comes to Miami Heat big man, Hassan Whiteside.

The center had a rough 2017-18 campaign.

He fell victim to injury, the aftermath of which not only lingered after his return, but cost him the opportunity to comfortably fit into head coach Erik Spoelstra’s system, specifically alongside newbies like Bam Adebayo and Kelly Olynyk.

The result being limited minutes and lackluster play.

That’s all in the past now though.

Because the 7-footer made getting back into shape a priority this summer, having lost 13 pounds coming into September. And has already very much hit the ground running, in the Heat’s first two preseason matchups.

Last year, the 29-year-old averaged 14.0 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.0 assist and 1.7 blocks a game, numbers down from his 17.0 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per contest in 2016-17.

He seemly lacked energy and motivation, becoming increasingly defeated with every missed dunk and getting constantly frustrated by even the most innocent of calls.

But that Whiteside is gone. And fans can rest assured he won’t be back either.

The big man is serious about his comeback. He’s ready to prove all the doubters wrong.

So far this preseason, he’s averaging 17.0 points, 14.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks a matchup.

Statistics that should look familiar.

What’s more, is how energized and motivated he’s been looking on the floor.

Even when sharing minutes with Olynyk, a pairing that didn’t quite seem to have things figured out last season.

"“I love playing with Kelly,” Whiteside said. “I wish I could have him in my pickup games and street ball. Wherever he wants to be teammates at, we can do it. I love playing with Kelly.”"

Great news, since Spoelstra is still tinkering with lineups, and Whiteside may end up on the court with Olynyk more often than expected, with Adebayo backing up the North Carolina-native.

Is preseason a great indicator of exactly what’s to come?

Not really.

But it does show who is trending in what direction.

And Miami Heat fans can trust that it’s only up from here for Hassan Whiteside.