Hoops Habit
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Miami Heat: 3 things to look out for during the team’s playoff push

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 10: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat stares on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 10, 2019 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 10: Hassan Whiteside #21 of the Miami Heat stares on during the game against the Toronto Raptors on March 10, 2019 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images
Photo by Cassy Athena/Getty Images /

3. Hassan Whiteside‘s new role

Going into 2018-19, it seemed as though the majority of Heat Nation was ready to move on from Hassan Whiteside.

Despite initially arriving in South Beach ready to work and show those who overlooked him why they made a grave error in judgement, the big man’s productivity started to decline, with many finding his new max contract to blame.

It wasn’t even really about his raw numbers either, as the center actually averaged a respectable 14.0 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.7 blocks a game in 2017-18, a season after signing his new deal. It was more so Whiteside’s lack of effort and negative demeanor that rubbed people the wrong way.

So in the summer of 2018, president Pat Riley and head coach Erik Spoelstra joined forces to make sure No. 21 was still buying into The Culture — something that, at first, didn’t appear to make any difference.

Whiteside started the year off on an inconsistent note, fighting to really find his purpose in a position-less basketball system. Then, to make matters worse, he fell victim to injury in December, causing an even greater setback.

But fast-forward to February, and the 29-year-old was revived.

Averaging 14.7 points, 12.0 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per contest on the month, he dominated against the likes of the Portland Trail Blazers on Feb. 5, finishing with 28 points and 11 rebounds in 30 minutes.

The good news being that his efficiency has only since risen, despite now coming off the bench.

In a surprise twist of events, Whiteside has thrived in a sixth man role, totaling 18 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks in 20 minutes against the Hornets on March 6. He’s consistently had one of the Heat’s best plus/minuses since transitioning out of a starting role, and has brought a much-needed energy to the team’s second unit.

No matter what happens with Miami moving forward, fans should absolutely count on Whiteside continuing to excel.

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