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Miami Heat 1-on-1: Taking a closer look at the 2018-19 roster

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 12, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Josh Richardson #0 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on November 12, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 14: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat motions for the fans to get louder during the final moments of the game against Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 14, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Heat won 120-107. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – NOVEMBER 14: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat motions for the fans to get louder during the final moments of the game against Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 14, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Heat won 120-107. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Do you think Hassan Whiteside has what it takes to become an All-Star this year?

Tachauer: Oh absolutely, no question about it. The 2017-18 version of Hassan Whiteside is dead and gone, replaced by a much more engaged and active 2.0 edition. That alone may not be worthy of an All-Star vote, but when a positive attitude and motivated mindset are coupled with averaging 13.9 points, 14.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks a game in 28.2 minutes of play, at the very least he needs to be considered as a candidate. I will say though that in order to make that dream a reality, the big man needs to start being a little more aggressive on the offensive side of things. While defensively, he’s already having a monster year, he’s averaging his lowest number of points since the 2014-15 season (his first with the Heat). It shouldn’t take much to get his shots back up though, especially considering how early in the year it still is.

Leniart: Whiteside definitely has the talent to make an All-Star team this year. He is off to a great start this season, but he will have to improve some areas of his game to strengthen his case. As you might expect, he is padding the stat sheet with plenty of rebounds and blocks. Among players who have played at least 20 minutes this season, Whiteside is averaging the second-most blocks and most rebounds per 36 minutes. He has been slightly less impressive on the offensive side of the court though. Whiteside has been Miami’s third or fourth scoring option this season, and, through the early stages of the season, his true shooting percentage has been below his career average. The thing that has held Whiteside back in previous years is his mindset. He has been inconsistent, and he has not reacted well to adversity. If Whiteside can improve on the offensive end and remain consistent over the next few months, he will have a chance to appear in his first All-Star game for sure.

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