NBA Miami Heat

5 Reasons Why Hassan Whiteside Makes Miami Heat Top 4 Team In East

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By @ShaneRantSports

A New Beast in South Beach

Hassan Whiteside Heat
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The Miami Heat put together a masterful game from start to finish against the Chicago Bulls, but it was Hassan Whiteside who made headlines. In just his 18th game with the Heat, the 7-footer recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 12 blocks in only 25 minutes. With Whiteside emerging as a credible threat, here are five reasons why Miami has become a top four team in the East.

5. Weakens Double-Team Threat

Dwyane Wade Heat
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5. Weakens Double-Team Threat

Dwyane Wade Heat
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A threat in the post and on the offensive boards, Whiteside calls for defenders to pay attention to him. This weakens the opportunity for teams to double-team the Heat's top players in Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. When everyone can put the ball in the hoop, there is no free defender to cause havoc for the offense.

4. Spreads Floor For Guards

Mario Chalmers Dwyane Wade Shabazz Napier Heat
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4. Spreads Floor For Guards

Mario Chalmers Dwyane Wade Shabazz Napier Heat
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Not only does Whiteside weaken the double-team threat, but he also spreads the floor for the guards and backcourt to operate. Ball screens become more effective because the defenders must watch the 7-footer rolling. On top of that, when the guards drive, Whiteside gives them a dump-off option. A well-rounded big man makes things easier for everyone.

3. A Defensive Presence

Shawn Williams Hassan Whiteside Heat
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3. A Defensive Presence

Shawn Williams Hassan Whiteside Heat
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Averaging two blocks per game and recording a franchise-high 12 against the Bulls, Whiteside is the defensive presence and rim-defender Miami has been missing. His long wingspan and ability to remain straight up, not falling for ball fakes, has made him a monster on defense. This takes the pressure off of everyone and allows perimeter defenders to play a little tighter.

2. Takes Pressure Off Bosh

Chris Bosh Heat
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2. Takes Pressure Off Bosh

Chris Bosh Heat
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Bosh has been the frontcourt player having to do it all this season for Miami. Playing out of character at center and usually drawing the opponent's best post-player, Bosh can now stretch his game and save a little energy. Actually, is it crazy to say that Whiteside is better than Bosh on defense? That may just be the case, but it will translate into better offense for Bosh.

1. Finally There's Someone To Rebound

Joakim Noah Hassan Whiteside NBA
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1. Finally There's Someone To Rebound

Joakim Noah Hassan Whiteside NBA
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For the last handful of seasons and all throughout the "Big 3" era, the Heat struggled to rebound, usually ending up dead last in the league in that category. Whiteside is changing all that as he is averaging 5.8 boards and has recorded three double-doubles along with a triple-double in 18 games. Miami also outrebounded the fifth-best rebounding team in the Bulls, 54-43. Whiteside changes the whole landscape of the Heat in so many positive ways.

Shane Phillips is an NBA Writer at www.RantSports.com. Follow Shane on Twitter @ShaneRantSports, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google. You can also email Shane at [email protected].

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