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NBA Free Agency: Top 10 2016 Free Agents

By Ryan Blackburn

Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) waits to be introduced prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) waits to be introduced prior to action against the Dallas Mavericks in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) applies pressure to Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) applies pressure to Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Hassan Whiteside

Hassan Whiteside has been through a tumultuous year, but it has culminated in some amazing numbers. On top of averaging a double-double of 14.2 points and 11.8 rebounds per game (third in NBA) during the 2015-16 season, Whiteside shot .606 from the field (third) and averaged 3.7 blocks per game (first). He truly affected the box score while in South Beach this season.

The question with the athletic center is whether or not he has a legitimate impact on both sides of the ball. His stats are impressive, but his advanced metrics leave a lot to be desired. His Real Plus/Minus score of 0.90, taken from ESPN, ranks 30th among centers in the league.

His Box Plus/Minus score of 2.5 falls short of Deandre Jordan’s mark of 3.4, who rounds out the top 20 overall and plays a similar role for the Los Angeles Clippers.

Both of these numbers, combined with his difficulties managing his attitude, might give Miami or any other team pause before they commit long-term to Whiteside. That being said, he still fits well as a rim protector, floor runner and above-the-rim threat on offense in South Beach. Given their title aspirations, letting Whiteside walk would make things difficult.

Some other teams that need a high caliber option at center are the Lakers, the Dallas Mavericks and the Rockets if they go away from Dwight Howard. Each of those teams would have minutes to spare, money to offer, and general managers willing to take risks for wins.

Dallas in particular would be an interesting destination. If Dirk Nowitzki doesn’t plan on retiring, then putting him next to an elite rim protector one more time would be a  Marc Cuban-esque move. Chandler Parsons is already recruiting Dwight Howard to Dallas, but if the Mavericks want a younger and potentially better option on both ends, then Whiteside will be a major target.

Next: Number 7