Miami Heat: 3 Bold Predictions for Hassan Whiteside in 2018-19

He Will Evolve as a Passer

Whiteside is one of the most reluctant passers in the game today. Across his career, he’s averaged 0.5 assists and has only had more than three assists in a game six times in his 271 game career. The Heat’s record in those games is 5-1, so if you’re coach Spoelstra, you’re making it known to him the effect his passing has on the team’s performances.

The improved attitude from the big man hopefully means a buy-in on that end of the floor. The easiest thing for an opponent is to defend stagnant ball movement, especially when it comes in the post – one of the least efficient areas of the floor. His turnovers aren’t a huge problem (1.7 per game last season) it’s a fact he’s so unwilling to move the ball when on the floor.

Around the beginning of last season, Triple OT reported that a more willing passer would lead to an improved Whiteside, and therefore an improved Heat.

“Bettering his court vision and passing in the half-court set, could serve Miami as they jockey for a return to the playoffs… Improving Whiteside’s passing out of the post is likely to lead to shots around the perimeter. Which is perfect for a spot-up jumper from Josh Richardson, Dion Waiters, or the ever-moving Wayne Ellington.”

With Brook Lopez as the model for Whiteside to develop as a perimeter shooter, the big man should look no further than All-Star, Andre Drummond, as a player to emulate in improving his passing game. Drummond was given the reigns to the offense with former coach Stan Van Gundy allowing him to utilize unseen passing skills. He ended the 2017-18 season averaging three assists per game, way above his career average of 1.1.

Passes like this from the NBA Africa game will go a long way to Whiteside reforming himself on that end of the floor.

It’s very likely Whiteside won’t be given the opportunities Drummond was last season, but a change in mentality combined with a greater trust from his coach should lead to career numbers on that end of the floor.

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