Everytime I see the Heat play, everytime I see Hassan Whiteside block a shot or flush down a Alley-oop, I shed a little tear. Because I like other Miami Heat fans know that after this season we won’t see those emphatic dunks or blocks in a Heat uniform. It’s sad really.
But then again, it just goes to show how surprising his growth has been these past two years. If Pat Riley knew that he picked up a potential beast that’s worth a max deal, he would’ve planned accordingly. Hindsight is forever 20/20. So in a way, I’m happy for Hassan Whiteside because he’s been around the world and I’m glad that it was the Miami Heat that unearthed this stupid good talent.
But then again I hate the fact that some other team will harvest what the Heat had sewn. Pat Riley knows that it’s nearly impossible to get Hassan Whiteside back, but he’s glad that he got to be a part of it.
“I’ve never been around that kind of turnaround,” team president Pat Riley said this afternoon. “We’ve had some players that we’ve opened our eyes up on, but I think what Hassan did last year and what he’s doing now, his level of play– it’s just all about more experience, more reps, understanding how important he is for us.
“But in my 50 years in the NBA, I have never seen that kind of phenomenon. I know this is hurting me right now as far as his free agency goes because I’m complimenting him, but he’s grown a lot.”
He has grown a lot and I hope wherever he goes his growth continues. I hope his 2K rating continues to rise along with his block count. Just a shame that it won’t be in a Heat jersey.
