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NBA Player Power Rankings: Three-Quarter Season Awards

By Maxwell Ogden

Feb 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts with forward Draymond Green (23) after making a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 22, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) reacts with forward Draymond Green (23) after making a three point shot against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 6, 2016; Miami, FL, USA;Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (c) dunks the ball over four Philadelphia 76ers in the second half of Sunday
Mar 6, 2016; Miami, FL, USA;Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (c) dunks the ball over four Philadelphia 76ers in the second half of Sunday /

19. Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat

Award: All-NBA Third Team

Last Rank: No. 20

Position: Center

Age: 26

Slash Line: .610/.000/.615

Season Averages: 28.8 MPG, 13.3 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 3.2 ORPG, 3.9 BPG

Over the Miami Heat’s past 10 games, Hassan Whiteside has poured in averages of 18.5 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 4.1 blocks. Considering he’s been on the Top 20 fringe for much of 2015-16, this recent stretch is enough to solidify his Top 20 ranking.

Not only is Whiteside blocking shots at a rate the NBA hasn’t seen since the 1990s, but he’s becoming an unstoppable force on both ends.

To open this most recent week, Whiteside anchored a 108-92 Heat victory over the Phoenix Suns with 11 rebounds and five blocks in 23 minutes. He then tallied 19 points and 19 rebounds in a 112-102 win against the Philadelphia 76ers, and posted seven blocks and 13 rebounds in a 103-98 escape of Philadelphia.

Rounded out by his 23 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks against the Milwaukee Bucks, Whiteside’s week was beyond strong enough to maintain his grip on a Top 20 ranking.

Many have criticized Whiteside for his hot-headed antics and his tendency to value a block over a more responsible defensive play. That’s all fine and well, but the Heat are an abysmal offensive team that’s reached its 37-27 record on the strength of its defense.

Whiteside anchors the defense, and thus, he can be singled out as the individual who’s most deserving of praise for Miami’s resurgence.

Next: All-Time Scorer