NBA Rumors: Should Teams Max Out Dwight Howard Or Hassan Whiteside?

Jan 3, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) attempts to drive the ball around Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets center Dwight Howard (12) attempts to drive the ball around Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
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May 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) dunks the ball as Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) looks on during the first half in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) dunks the ball as Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) looks on during the first half in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Hassan Or Dwight?

It’s a decision that a few teams will likely have to make at some point this summer, probably sooner rather than later. And it’s not as easy as you would expect it to be.

Dwight Howard or Hassan Whiteside?

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Dwight is probably the better all-around defender, while Hassan is clearly the better shot-blocker at this point in their careers. Hassan is also the better offensive player, but Dwight is still the more mature basketball player – and that says a whole lot more about Hassan than Dwight.

Would you rather roll the dice with the 30-year-old center that is past his prime, who could potentially have one or two more really good and productive seasons? Or, would you rather give the younger center, with significantly less miles, who may or may not ever live up to his potential because of the unpredictability of his personality?

It’s tough. And some teams will probably say no to both of them and try to fill their center void with a cheaper option. Which isn’t the wrong answer, either.

However, there’s no question that, in these two guy’s best-case scenario, both Dwight and Hassan are the types of talents that can make a huge difference on the court – and in the standings.

When you consider it all, the answer should be Hassan Whiteside – he comes with less of a risk. He’s younger, technically cheaper because of the years he’s played in the NBA, and has a higher ceiling over the next three seasons.

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While Dwight may be the “safer” option, he’s definitely going to cost you significantly more. Whiteside should be the one to get the max contract this summer. However, there’s no guarantee that there’s another team in the NBA that would agree with that.