NBA: Ranking the top 20 players that impact the game in non-scoring roles

14. Hassan Whiteside, Portland Trail Blazers

Sometimes when one team gives up on you another team is waiting to get you cause you’re just what they need. When Whiteside had a triple-double on national television against the Bulls, going for 14 points, 13 rebounds and a Heat franchise record 12 blocks on January 25, 2015, it was his coming-out party to the NBA.

Mr. Whiteside had arrived as a legitimate starting center. His previous stint in the league with the Kings was short, with him being sent down to the D-League. He eventually would be out of the league and have to play basketball in different countries. When Pat Riley gave him a chance in Miami, he made the most of the opportunity. In his first season with the Heat Whiteside averaged 11.8 points, 10 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game in 48 games.

While he was with the Heat he made the All-Defensive second-team in 2016, led the NBA in blocks that same year and led the NBA in rebounding in 2017. By the end of the 2018-19 season, Whiteside had worn out his welcome in Miami. Bam Adebayo was showing potential he could be a starting center in the league, which made Whiteside expendable.

During the offseason, he was traded to the Blazers. Since being in Portland, Whiteside has found new life. He is leading the NBA in blocks with 3.1 blocks per game, and he is second in rebounding, averaging 10.2 rebounds per game. In a game against the Lakers this season on January 31, All-Star guard Damian Lillard handled most of the offense, scoring 48 points, while Whiteside controlled the paint, turning back LeBron James, Anthony Davis and whoever else came inside.

He finished with five blocks,12 rebounds and 30 points. When Portland’s injured center Jusuf Nurkic comes back Whiteside’s minutes will go down, but he has proven there is still value in an old school center.