Miami Heat 1-on-1: What is Hassan Whiteside bringing to the team?

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MIAMI, FL – NOVEMBER 9: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat reacts to a play during the game against the Indiana Pacers on November 9, 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

It’s time for another edition of AllUCanHeat Miami Heat 1-on-1; today, two contributors talk all things Hassan Whiteside.

So, we know about Hassan Whiteside’s rebounding and rim-protecting skills, but what is the Miami Heat center’s greatest offensive strength?

Rahmeaun Rahming (@Boneman9000): Honestly, Hassan Whiteside’s greatest asset is his size. Just being big has helped him make an imprint on games where the opposition has to gameplan on him. I don’t want anyone to think he’s only getting by on strength and size, but that is a big reason for his success. Whiteside can often be found doing his work for the Miami Heat early, around the restricted circle. This puts him in position, before the defense really understands what’s happening. Once the ball finds it’s way down to him, he only has one consistent move: a low hanging floater/push shot, after turning over his right shoulder. When you see people like Tony Parker and Chris Paul, you kind of marvel at their floaters, as they usually snap the net, as they miss the rim and backboard. Whiteside’s push shot almost always touches the rim, if not the backboard and the rim.

Imran Ebrahim (@iebrahim81): There’s a reason that when Dwyane Wade was traded back to Miami last season, Whiteside’s first reaction was “I love D-Wade, man. Throw them lobs.” In my personal opinion, his ability to roll to the rim and go up to get any type of pass to him, would have to be his biggest strength. The good thing about Whiteside is that he understands that this is his bread and butter, as per the quote above. The bad thing is that it’s almost a hint of selfish play; he’s always trying to make the highlight reel. But being a player that depends solely on his ability to come off the pick and roll doesn’t serve well for him as an offensive player. It was good to see that he spent quite a bit of time this offseason working on his post moves, but I think it’s very hard to deny that his ability and role in the P&R game, is by far his greatest offensive asset.

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