The Miami Heat face a gigantic decision to make this offseason, not only in frame, but in importance — as center Hassan Whiteside's reported unhappiness with the way he's been deployed this season could spell future nightmares for an organization hopeful to a repeat trip to the postseason.
Whiteside seemed destined for a breakout season, posting 26 points and 22 rebounds in his season-opener against the Orlando Magic, but after suffering a setback after the game (the first of many), his playing time fluctuated throughout the season — all the more evident as the campaign winded down and his minutes appeared more scarce with each game.
This only got more obvious in the postseason, as he only reached the 20-minute mark once in the postseason, playing under in four of five playoff games against his arch-nemesis Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers.
Team president Pat Riley vowed to mediate for his star center, who signed a four-year, $98 million contract in 2016, and head coach Erik Spoelstra, who has found himself more comfortable with rookie Bam Adebayo and new signing Kelly Olynyk running tandem at center.
Article Continues Below“I'm going to try to help the both of them come together,” said Riley, who doled out three four-year deals during the past offseason, according to Ira Winderman of The South-Florida Sun-Sentinel.
Riley noted Whiteside wasn't in great shape for the playoffs as a reason for his lack of minutes, but noted he won't part ways with his star just because of a tough season.
“If there has to be an intervention, I'm going to be the intervener,” vowed Riley.
Whiteside had addressed his issue with the media after a Game 5 loss to the Sixers, which eliminated the Heat from the playoffs — noting he would address the issue with Spoelstra and Riley before departing to his native North Carolina.