Miami Heat: The Hassan Whiteside Story Is Great, But He’s Overrated
By Noah Torr
His Unexpected Resurgence
After being released by the Kings, it was a confusing and chaotic next couple of seasons for Agent Block. He spent time in the NBA D-League, overseas and then ultimately returned to sign with the Memphis Grizzlies in 2014.
However, his most recent stint in the NBA didn’t last long. He was waived by the Grizzlies a few weeks into the 2014-15 NBA season.
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The, “The Godfather” saved the day.
Pat Riley liked what he saw in the underdeveloped talent and signed him to a two-year deal.
This ultimately paid off for the Heat.
Whiteside showed flashes of stardom by recording multiple double-doubles and even a triple double during the 2014-15 season with the Heat. In particular, he made team history by being the first player in Heat history to record a triple-double with blocks – 14 points, 13 rebounds and 12 blocks vs Chicago (1/25/15).
Pat Riley received praise once again for finding a hidden gem in Hassan Whiteside. The Godfather had come to the rescue and found a good, solid center for the Heat for years to come.
Or so we all believed.
Whiteside made us all believe that he had a high ceiling. He wanted us to believe that he could do more than what he showed us in college and his first years in the league.
Ultimately, Whiteside still has the same problems that the Kings first experienced with him.
He is emotional on the court. When things don’t go his way, he sets lazy screens and walks/jogs down the court.
Laziness has seemed to be a problem as well. There are times when Whiteside is pulled to start the third quarter in favor of Willie Reed, because of the lack of energy that he’s playing with.