Saying Hassan Whiteside had an eventful season would be an understatement. His per game numbers look good on paper (14 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.7 blocks) though his production beyond that paled in comparison. He let his frustrations be known on more than occasion which not only affected his relationship with the coaching staff and front office, but also his form at the end of the regular and postseason.

From games 67-75, the center was inactive, and when he came back for the final seven contests, he was less than effective. In that time Whiteside was only able to put up 12.9 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per contest. Even more striking was the fact that Whiteside only averaged 21.3 minutes of court time per game, clear evidence of coach Erik Spoelstra’s lack of faith in the underperforming big man.

That faith didn’t increase whatsoever in their playoff series against the Sixers. Only once in those five games did the center see more than 16 minutes in a game, a game which the Heat still lost. His place in the modern game is undetermined; a big man who can’t defend at an elite level, without floor spacing capabilities is becoming more and more irrelevant. One of the few guys who has fit that mold is Andre Drummond, who despite being an All-Star has only been a part of the postseason once in his 6 season career.

Things seem to be on the mend after a meeting with Spoelstra and Pat Riley. Their relationship may be improving, and hopefully, for Heat fans’ sake, it leads to a rejuvenated season for the 2015-16 season block leader. Taking that into consideration, here are three bold predictions for Whiteside going into the 2018-19 season.  

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