Miami Heat’s Defensive Change Means More Playing Time For Hassan Whiteside
By Jared Doyle
@outofboundsjay
Michael Laughlin- Getty Images
The Miami Heat’s massive roster overhaul this summer has taken the team in a different direction this season, and not necessarily for the better. As it stands, the Heat are fighting for their playoff lives, sitting in the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference, which is a little confounding considering they have a roster that includes Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng.
Coach Erik Spoelstra has been seemingly unwilling change his defensive schemes, still attempting to run the same type of plays he did with last season’s roster. Miami is loading up on the strong side of the court, heavily covering the pick-and-roll options, and rushing off 3-point shooters. This was based on a roster that lacked true shot-blocking players, and it had worked over the last four years.
This season, however, the Heat just don’t have the personnel to make it work. That said, the Heat do have two true shot-blocking centers who could help the team transition into a more traditional defense.
Chris Andersen has been the starting center for the last nine games, and the Heat’s defense has been more sound with him manning the paint. However, his minutes are limited due to age, which is why fans have been seeing more of rookie center Hassan Whiteside.
Although he is still a raw product, Whiteside has shown glimpses of his ability to alter shots around the rim and grab crucial rebounds, especially on the defensive end. Whiteside is currently averaging 3.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG and 1.1 BLKPG in 10 minutes a game. His increase in minutes is a sign the defense is transitioning for the Heat. For their sake, lets hope the rebounding issues and overall defense around the rim improve with this as well.
Jared Doyle is a Miami Heat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @outofboundsjay, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
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