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NBA Player Power Rankings: There’s A New No. 1 Player

By Maxwell Ogden

November 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant (35) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) at the foul line against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) at the foul line against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

16. Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat

Position: Center
Age: 27 (6/13/1989)
Experience: 5th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .545/.000/.583
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.6 MPG, 17.9 PPG,15.4 RPG, 4.9 ORPG, 2.6 BPG, 1.0 SPG

Hassan Whiteside is an old school big man who’s dominating head-to-head matchups without folding to contemporary standards. He bullies opponents down low, blocks shots with ferocity, and steps out for midrange jumpers when need be.

The Miami Heat lost Dwyane Wade and failed to replace him with an established player, but Whiteside remains one of the most overwhelming forces in the NBA.

Whiteside began this past week by putting up 18 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks in a 114-111 victory over the Washington Wizards. He followed that up by going off for a career-high 32 points, 13 rebounds, and two blocks against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers.

Whiteside struggled during his final game of the week, but it’d be tough to pretend he hasn’t earned his place in the Top 20.

Whiteside is on pace to become the fifth player in NBA history to average at least 15.0 points, 15.0 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game. The only other players to achieve that feat are Hall of Famers Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elvin Hayes, Moses Malone, and Bob McAdoo.

Not much else needs to be said. Whiteside is on pace to do something that only four of the greatest centers in NBA history have achieved.