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Ranking The Top NBA Players By Age: Age 26

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 31, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) shoots against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the second half at Toyota Center. The Warriors won 114 to 110. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) shoots against Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) in the second half at Toyota Center. The Warriors won 114 to 110. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) reacts during the game against the Sacramento Kings in the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. Miami won 112-106. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Hassan Whiteside

Who knew that moving Hassan Whiteside to the bench — behind the ancient Amar’e Stoudemire, no less — would completely unleash him on poor and unsuspecting opponents? Everyone knew the league’s leading shot-blocker was good, but in this sixth man role, he’s really thriving and so are the Miami Heat.

Whiteside is having a career year, averaging 14.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game, but in 29 games coming off the bench, he’s boosted those numbers to 16.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game on 60.5 percent shooting. As long as he can keep that temper of his in check, there’s no downside to this pairing.

As an unrestricted free agent this summer, the Heat will have to dole out a max contract to keep Whiteside and even THAT might not be enough if he’s looking for a chance of scenery, since Miami doesn’t own his Bird Rights (and therefore cannot offer him more money than other suitors). But for the time being, Whiteside has become one of the most impactful players in the league.

Next: No. 7