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NBA Thanksgiving: What Every Team Has To Be Thankful For, Part 2

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 7, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) takes the court prior to action against the Miami Heat at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) takes the court prior to action against the Miami Heat at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) against the Orlando Magic during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Miami Heat: Mr. Whiteside

Things aren’t going so well for the Miami Heat these days. Aside from losing Dwyane Wade to free agency and Chris Bosh to health concerns, the Heat missed out on Kevin Durant, had to settle for the likes of Dion Waiters and Luke Babbitt, and also lost Luol Deng and Joe Johnson over the summer.

With Goran Dragic dealing with an early season injury and Justise Winslow still struggling to develop a competent perimeter touch, Miami’s saving grace in their 4-10 start has been the monster numbers Hassan Whiteside is putting up.

After awarding Whiteside with a massive four-year, $98.5 million contract, the Heat have to be pleased with the otherworldly 17.9 points, 15.4 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game he’s averaging. This will be a lost season, but Whiteside is living up to expectations as the next franchise cornerstone so far.