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Dallas Mavericks: Realistic Big-Name Targets In Free Agency

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) warms up before playing against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 24, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) warms up before playing against the Golden State Warriors in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Hassan Whiteside, Unrestricted Free Agent

Position: Center
Age: 26 (6/13/1989)
Slash Line: .606/.000/.650
Season Averages: 29.1 MPG, 14.2 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.3 ORPG, 3.7 BPG

This past season, the Miami Heat won 48 games and reached the 2016 NBA Playoffs. Miami did so on the strength of its defense, with rankings of No. 5 in scoring defense, No. 7 in defensive efficiency, and No. 9 in opponent field goal percentage.

The player who anchored that defensive attack will now be an unrestricted free agent: Hassan Whiteside.

Whiteside is the most dominant shot=blocker in the NBA; his average of 3.68 blocks per game was 1.38 higher than any other player. He also ranked No. 3 in rebounding and tied for No. 4 in offensive rebounds per game.

The most understated aspect of Whiteside’s game, however, is just how versatile and dominant he can be offensively.

Whiteside quietly converted 49 midrange jump shots on 41.2 percent shooting during the 2015-16 season. He’s also a physically overwhelming finisher in the paint who can control the offensive glass and dunk in traffic like few have ever been able to.

Even if his offense falls short, Whiteside can be the defensive anchor Dallas needs at 7’0″ and 265 pounds with a 7’7″ wingspan and an uncanny ability to block shots.

must read: Upside comparisons for the Top 30 prospects in the 2016 NBA Draft

Nothing is certain in Dallas, but the Mavericks have a unique opportunity to sign a high-profile free agent during the summer of 2016.

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