A triple-double in just 25 minutes of action, and 14 rebounds in a single quarter (24 overall) has the internet buzzing about this kid playing for Miami. Over his last three games he has logged stat totals of 46 points 43 rebounds 13 blocks in just 90 minutes of action giving him averages of 15.3ppg 14.3rpg 4.3bpg playing 30 minutes per night over that span. Which is leading me to wonder is this kid the real deal? Before his emergence as a force he was averaging 7.4ppg 5.8rpg and 2bpg 15mpg in 17 games played with Miami this Season, it is his third season in the NBA. He was drafted by the Sacramento Kings with the 33rd overall pick in 2010, was released by the Kings in 2012 after appearing in only 19 games (zero starts), Signed by the Grizzlies in 2014 but did not play a single game with them and then picked up off waivers by the Miami Heat. So now that he is playing as well as he is can he keep this up and become a legit starter in this league for the long term. I think he can, it is far from impossible that 2nd round draft picks force their way into rotations and never look back Manu Ginobili, Monta Ellis, Carlos Boozer, and Gilbert Arenas will tell you all about that. At just 25 years old and standing at 7ft tall he is something of a dream come true for plenty of teams looking for a legit big man to be a force on the boards and protecting the rim (Brook Lopez should try working out with him and learn a thing or two) and to be a young player with his best years still very much likely ahead of him. Hassan Whiteside at this point seems to be a low risk high reward player that Miami will hope to have in their organization for a very long time. Expect this kid to be a monster on the glass and on the opposing teams field goal percentage for years to come.
-Jermari Murphy
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