There is an element of uncertainty to Hassan Whiteside‘s role with the Heat. One can glean at least some semblance of understanding into how Erik Spoelstra views the big man through a series of post-game quotes from earlier this afternoon, Dave Hyde of the Sun Sentinel writes.
Spoelstra was quick to praise Whiteside after a spirited third quarter on Sunday afternoon but didn’t ultimately play him down the stretch, citing the play of the team’s second unit.
“He made a big-time effort on both ends of the court. Even those offensive tips where we didn’t score, he was burning calories and expending a lot of energy. Those extra, multiple efforts are inspiring. I really believe those inspire the players coming in the game,” Spoelstra said. “[…] The next challenge is to be consistent. I love what he did in the third quarter.”
It’s unclear what will come of Whiteside’s time with the Heat. While he’s averaged a solid 13.6 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, he seems to have resigned to the fact that he may not enter games in fourth quarters.
“When those guys are playing great, I don’t come in,” he said. “Those guys were playing great.”
The Heat currently sit 25-17, fourth in the Eastern Conference. That’s a dangerous spot for a team with a coach known for bringing out the most in his players.
While 28-year-old Whiteside would qualify by most accounts as the team’s top talent, they’ve played .500 basketball without him and could presumably net a piece or two to help them down the stretch if they were willing to move him.
Given that Whiteside’s current role with the squad is so unconventional, would the franchise be better off to gauge the trade market for the big man?
Weigh in on what you think the Heat will end up doing with their center below.
Being that they are 4th in the East, I doubt they trade him. But that is not even the biggest impediment. This is the list of Centers on the 100% trade block – DeAndre Jordan, Derrick Favors, Robin Lopez, Nikola Vucevic, Brooke Lopez, Tristan Thompson, Tyson Chandler, Nerlens Noel, Hermangomez/Quinn.
Centers 50/50 on the trade block – Marc Gasol, Boogie Cousins.
So between 10 and 12 Centers are on the trade block with only a few teams looking to buy one (Cleveland, Boston)
Typo– Heat are 25-17.
Heat should retain him. The market is not strong–
Good post by Z-A. And I think they will fall back without him, but be too good to be effective at tanking.
While I do not think Miami will move Whiteside because A. the team is playing well and B. the market is saturated. I would to see what CLE would offer us or potentially see what we could get do with Pelicans in regards to a swap.