The Miami Heat are attempting to unseat the Cleveland Cavaliers at the top of the Eastern Conference. With a healthy LeBron James, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love, the fourth placers in the division have their work cut out for them. Moreover, the absence of Chris Bosh in the Miami Heat and the injuries of Dwyane Wade are causing strain in the Pat Riley team. With these in mind, can the Miami Heat overcome the dominance of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
One of the most widely talked about Miami Heat star as of late is Hassan Whiteside. The once D-league star, who even got into an argument with Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, is now making headlines for his remarkable talent in the hardwood court. In the absence of Bosh, Whiteside grew into a notable leader alongside Luol Deng. With his impending free agency, will the Miami Heat sign him once again?
"They haven't talked about [free agency]," Whiteside shared of his future with the Miami Heat. "They want to see how far we get this season with this team. Playoffs will speak a lot."
The rising Miami Heat star further shared, "I hope [there's interest]. I like the organization. Pat Riley is always going to do a great job of adding people that are going to help you win. It's not hard to sell to come to Miami. You can always recruit great talent."
Whiteside, who has gained a reputation of not being a reliable teammate in the past, turned his life around as he committed to helping the Miami Heat move higher in the NBA this season. Right now, all he can think of is to "win more than anything." While he admits to not know "too much about free agency yet," Whiteside shared that he is "going to learn" more and will use this season as his audition for a longer tenure with the Miami Heat.
"He's not caring about anything other than being dominant when he's on the basketball court," described Wade of Whiteside's perforamance lately. He added, "He's playing like a monster out there. We would love to get that Hassan every night. We would be a very good team if we can continue to get that Hassan. He's done his job. He's imposed his will since we've been back. When he's focused, he's angry. And when he's angry, just trying to be the best out there, the best big man on the floor, he puts it all together."
Despite his progress, some believe that the Miami Heat might not sign him soon. One of the biggest issues between Whiteside and the NBA team is the amount he is asking for his contract. Although the former D-League star improved considerably, his asking price is reportedly too steep for the Miami Heat. Amid the rumors, Whiteside garnered support from Golden State Warriors star Andrew Bogut.
"It's going to be very interesting, isn't it?" commented Bogut of Whiteside's free agency. He added, "You anticipate someone giving him a big deal. Bigs that can block shots these days are very valuable. He's got an unbelievable body for a basketball player. He hasn't had an easy journey. You have to respect that."
If the Miami Heat will splurge on a player, some fans feel that a more veteran presence might merit such huge amount. Given the recent comments of LeBron James potentially playing with Wade as well as Carmelo Anthony and Chris Paul, there are those who think that a deal shipping in the New York Knicks star might be a better deal. With the right moves, the entry of Anthony could be possible soon.
If Carmelo Anthony and Dwyane Wade actually manage to play together in the Miami Heat, can fans expect LeBron James and Chris Paul to follow suit soon?
