Miami Heat: 5 goals for Hassan Whiteside in 2017-18

5. Convert 70 percent of his free throws

Like numerous other centers in the NBA, free throw shooting has been an issue for Hassan Whiteside.

After five seasons in the league, Whiteside has converted 61 percent of his foul shots, never shooting above 65 percent at the line in any season. The league average last season was 77.2 percent, up 1.5 percent from the previous season.

Part of the reason for the increase has been coaches opting to bench poor free throw shooters for extended periods of time, not wanting to sacrifice points with terrible foul shooters drawing intentional fouls. Luckily, the league’s new rules have largely decreased instances of “Hack-A-Shaq.”

In any case, one way for Whiteside to see extended minutes on the floor is to become at least a respectable free throw shooter. If he can convert 70 percent of his attempts — 7.2 percent above his average from a year ago — coach Erik Spoelstra won’t ever have to fear leaving his star center on the floor.

Additional minutes from Whiteside would then lead to elevated production in all categories.