NBA Player Power Rankings: Is the Race for MVP Over?

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Feb 5, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) prepares to drive to the basket as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward center Frank Kaminsky (44) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

20. Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat

Last Rank: N/A

Position: Center

Age: 26

Slash Line: .617/.000/.594

Season Averages: 28.7 MPG, 13.1 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 3.2 ORPG, 3.9 BPG

The Miami Heat are 34-26 and absolutely decimating opposing offenses with the No. 2 scoring defense in the NBA. Chris Bosh, Goran Dragic, and Dwyane Wade have all been instrumental in Miami’s success, but the key to Miami playing at the level it is, is Hassan Whiteside.

Whiteside is a polarizing figure due to his short temper and recent benching, but his success is Miami’s success, and his failure is Miami’s failure.

Whiteside’s primary averages of 13.1 points and 11.5 rebounds don’t exactly jump off the page, but they’re certainly strong. He’s No. 4 in the NBA in rebounds per game and No. 2 in field goal percentage, but neither of those numbers tell the most important story.

Whiteside is the single most dominant shot-blocker of the 21st century, and that’s something worth heralding.

Whiteside’s average of 3.9 blocks per game is the highest since Alonzo Mourning in 1998-99, when the NBA had a lockout-shortened season. Before Mourning, it hadn’t been done by any player since Dikembe Mutombo in 1995-96.

For a defensive-minded team with a lackluster offense, Whiteside’s ability to control the defensive interior has been the catalyst to the Heat’s success.

Next: No. 19