The Miami Heat have championship aspirations this season, and much of that optimism stems from the emergence of last season’s biggest breakout: center Hassan Whiteside.
Whiteside was originally drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2010, but fizzled and was out of the NBA by end of the 2011-12 campaign. After multiple appearances in the D-League with different clubs, stints with Chinese and Lebanese teams, and a run with the Memphis Grizzlies early last year, the center resurfaced as a member of the Miami Heat.
Whiteside ended up claiming the starting position at center, and averaged 11.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game
Entering the 2015-16 season, the Heat believe they can claim the title of “Best Starting Five in the NBA.” Goran Dragic, Dwyane Wade, Luol Deng, and Chris Bosh are players who fans are used to seeing produce every year. But what about Whiteside? Should the Heat faithful be worried that their new star will turn back into a pumpkin?
Here are five reasons for optimism when it comes to Hassan Whiteside.
Next: Small Sample Size?