The Miami Heat wanted Hassan Whiteside to work on his passing within the flow of the offense, but that wasn't the advice Shaquille O'Neal gave to him when they crossed paths.
According to an AP report, the Heat's high-priced center talked about the time he met O'Neal and did so in his best Diesel impression.
When I met him, he was just, `Big fella, you've got to dunk everything. I like how you play. Dunk everything'.
Dunking was something O'Neal did plenty of when he dominated the NBA, and he always encourages other big men to play strong in the paint.
The challenge is there for Whiteside to tackle, because he has become the focal point of the team by default. Coach Erick Spoelstra is confident he can handle the pressure, and is looking to capitalize on improvement.
Each month he's been with us, he's gotten better. And I think that's a great statement to make. For two straight years, he's gotten better. Seems like each week, each game that he's played, he's understanding his role. He's playing with a great motor right now.
Whiteside is proof that having good big men is still a valued commodity in the NBA, but he wants to separate himself from the others.
I can score and I can defend. You've got guys at the (center) position that can score but they can't guard a shoe box. And you've got guys who are really great defenders but they couldn't score on a shoe box. I just want to be balanced.
Averaging 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and a league-best 3.7 blocks per game last season was a feat left to Hakeem Olajuwon in the 1993-94 season.
He's setting the bar very high for himself, but he says he's ready for the challenge. His chance to prove himself starts now.
(h/t FOX Sports)
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