Miami Heat: What does the future hold for Hassan Whiteside?

Can the Miami Heat still depend on Hassan Whiteside to lead the team to playoff contention?

Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside has been subpar since his comeback from a bruised knee. That much we know. His lack of consistency though, very similar to that of Dion Waiters, is slowly becoming an issue. His scoring average is down three points from 17 per game last year to 14.1 this year. His rebounds per game has also taken a hit from 14.1 to 11.8 per game. Granted, his minutes have also decreased, but he is still struggling and that is on full display.

This is alarming for various reasons, but the biggest one is that he is Miami’s franchise player. A four year, $98 million investment. Someone they need to be consistent and deliver strong productivity from game to game — something they are not receiving and paying costly for it.

That’s not to say the reason for Miami’s lackluster performances have fallen directly on him. That would be an extreme oversight and just an unfair accusation. Injuries have plagued both Miami and Whiteside, and unfortunately that is and always will be beyond their control. Without him, the Heat are 9-9. With him, they’re 11-8.

Miami Heat is currently sitting seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 20-17 record. That is not something to gloat about. In fact, it’s disappointing that Miami’s inconsistencies — combined with injuries — have diminished the projected outcome that this team had in the offseason.

In order for them to change their season around with sufficient time before playoff season comes around, a change in their most valuable asset may be required: a more versatile Hassan Whiteside.

More from Miami Heat

• 7 Players the Miami Heat might replace Herro with by the trade deadline
• Are the Miami Heat laying the groundwork for their next super team?
• Report: Miami Heat hoping to keep key player out of Lillard trade talks
• Grade the Trade: The Heat pass on Lillard to land an MVP in this proposal
• NBA Rumors: Heat have big plans to upgrade frontcourt if they land Lillard

Whiteside did something though that showed signs of life in an injury-prone, gloomy season. when he finished the Orlando Magic game with four assists for the night, and then followed that up with two dimes in the Heat’s most recent game. His season average is 0.6 per game.

That willingness to pass needs to continue in order to develop another aspect of his game that can benefit his team night in and night out. If he continues with an old school, center-based mentality, it’s going to negatively affect the Heat in the long run.

Miami needs to take this season as a test run to see if Whiteside can actually evolve into the more versatile center/forward player we see in today’s NBA.

In this small-ball modern NBA, a traditional center is close to non-existent. You don’t see the likes of a Shaquille O’Neal anymore dominating teams left and right. If you do, it’s paired with a great frontcourt or backcourt, but even then, it’s not enough to take your team to playoff contention.

Look at the examples the NBA has right now. The New Orleans Pelicans with Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins currently rank eighth in the Western Conference with a 19-18 record and haven’t reached the playoffs since 2015. They were swept by the Warriors that year.

After a complete turnaround this offseason that saw them lose Vince Carter, Zach Randolph, and Tony Allen, the Memphis Grizzlies are struggling to stay alive with the hopes that center Marc Gasol will guide them to the playoffs. They are ranked 14th in the West with a horrible 12-26 record.

The Detroit Pistons might be the only exception, which is not saying a lot. Yes, they are ranked sixth in the Eastern Conference right now with a 20-16 record, but don’t have the sustainability to keep up their pace once April comes around. History has gone to show us this team will remain in mediocrity in the first round at best.

If you’re a Pistons fan, I apologize, but to ease the pain a bit, Heat fans are honestly in the same boat. Worse, if you compare records right now.

Next: 2017-18 Week 12 NBA Power Rankings

Miami’s future, for the time being, may very well rely on what game Agent Block decides to play for the remainder of the season. If they see no change and he reverts to the same center-based style he is vastly known for, then it won’t only be Miami’s future to worry about, but his as well.