Miami Heat: 3 takeaways from 2018-19 season opener
By Simon Smith
2. The productivity of Hassan Whiteside
Following a drop in production last season, coupled with a woeful showing in the playoffs, many were wondering if Whiteside could soon return to his career form of 2016-17.
After a strong showing in the preseason block of games, Whiteside continued with this promise, notching 12 points, 18 boards and two blocks in a performance full of presence and energy.
Considering the physical makeup of the opposition, this was a terrific first-up contribution from the seven-footer, as coach Spoelstra noted following the game:
"“I don’t know if we’ll face another team that can match or exceed Hassan’s length. So the adjustment the next time will be those same efforts, but if you get jammed up in the paint, there’s probably open guys. But you don’t get to practice that very often. He doesn’t face multiple people, much less one or two guys, who can match his length.”"
While his physical capabilities have never been questioned, its been the overall mental application of Whiteside that has frustrated the coaching staff and onlookers alike.
Hassan Whiteside is fighting for every rebound. That's a good thing for the Heat.
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) October 17, 2018
However, this was certainly not the case in the season opener, with Whiteside recording 15 shots contested and a game-high five screen assists. With both of these numbers noticeably up from last season’s returns, the Heat will naturally be looking for this level of output to continue as the season progresses.