One of the fascinating individual case studies heading into the 2015-16 season has to be Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside.
From a numerical standpoint, his 2014-15 season was nothing short of outstanding. His 11.8 points (on 62.8-percent shooting), 10.0 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in under 24 minutes per game made for an incredible stat line, leading to an almost-silly Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 26.3. Whiteside, who will make a mere $980,000 in this upcoming season, is also set to be a free agent next summer. That should give the seven-footer ample motivation for the upcoming season, since a continuation of his 2014-15 play would undoubtedly allow him to strike it rich during 2016 free agency.
Nonetheless, it’s easy to see why some are skeptical of Whiteside’s future. A second-round pick in 2010, it took over four seasons for him to earn consistent playing time. In fact, prior to the 2014-15 campaign, Whiteside was out of the league entirely for two years. His strong 2014-15 came in essentially just half a season (48 games). Add to that concerns about his attitude, as well as a somewhat underwhelming outlook for the Heat as a team, and it seems Whiteside could be flying under the radar.
But if you ask him, that’s just the way he likes it.
Let them sleep it’s ok it been this way my whole life https://t.co/CL0C8Zxlqj
— Hassan Whiteside (@youngwhiteside) October 17, 2015
Whiteside, projected as Miami’s starting center, will have every opportunity to silence the doubters. And if he continues anywhere near his 2014-15 pace of 10 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in 24 minutes in larger minutes, he absolutely could be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
For now, Whiteside is just hoping to get back on the hardwood after missing much of the preseason due to a calf injury. He was a full participant during Miami’s Thursday practice, though, and he said he’s been fully cleared to play. With any luck, he may make his preseason debut Saturday night in Houston.
Ben DuBose is a veteran sports reporter who has followed the Houston Rockets and the NBA since Hakeem Olajuwon was Akeem Olajuwon. He writes for both SheridanHoops and ClutchFans, an independent Rockets blog. You can follow him on Twitter.
That guy is Erick Dampier waiting to happen. You’d have to be a sucker to bite on that hook in nine months.