Hassan Whiteside: Road To The Max

[RexBoyWonder]

RexBoyWonder hates Hassan? Check yourself.

He was the poster that was talking about him before you were a heat fan and before any of us knew who Hassan was and how we needed to pick him up. So if anything has changed in his opinion of him, it's likely Hassan's attitude pre-suspension. But he's talked about Hassan's potential ad nauseum.

I don't need to check myself, go back and read older posts in this thread and they are self explanatory. No need to come to his rescue KD, He can hold his on.

No, I don't think I have to. Like I said, I'm willing to bet the only reason why he's gone sour on Hassan is because of Hassan's attitude, behavior and lack of professionalism; before his last suspension. This PC Hassan is a totally different person and player. Idk if you were here when he continually told us how much he'd help us if we picked him up. For him to say that Hassan is not a first-option is just an opinion. I don't think he's first-option yet either...but if he improves the weaknesses of his game like he scarily improved his ft% to alarmingly high levels, then the sky's the limit.

He thinks this thread is the first Hassan thread we ever had. Old timers know the real deal. We were all pretty much ecstatic about Hassan panning out in such a huge way, and we criticize him because :

1. No player is above criticism.
2. The good of the team > any player.
3. He had a bad attitude that hurt HIM most of all (he said it himself, and seem to recognize his errors and improve on them), and it hurt the team too.
4. We're looking at him as our future max player, so expectations are adjusted (and are high) - because we want him to make a huge amount of money here, and we believe in the potential. But he needs to prove it and earn it, with his mentality first, like he's been doing post ASB.

[Rich2Hassan]

The point is, You guys say that the posters who root for Hassan or are "nuthuggers" aren't HEAT fans, ok. So i ask, what are the posters who make all these outlandish claims of lack of professionalism, questions his character with no reason to, posts hateful things? Are they real HEAT fans? It's OK for people to like Hassan and stan for him and still be a HEAT fan. Didn't LeBron have those? Don't Wade? Don't Dragic? No fan is above the other, remember that.

[cyclix]

Hassan will never be a first option, not on this team not on any playoff team, He seems to accept it, even if his nuthuggers don't.

Not sure why you added their stats line, they just emphasis my point.

That's a pretty bold statement (pun intended), especially when he's just entering his prime at 26. His scoring efficiency seems to have gotten better as his USG% and role on offense increased. The numbers show his progression. It had to take Bosh having blood clots problem for us to see that Hassan is more than just a roll guy that is only good for lobs and putbacks. It's not a coincidence his FT shooting and midrange was well showcased after Bosh went down. The skills are there, but the decision making could be better at times. But that will only come with experience, and not the coaching staff putting him on a short leash for every mistake he makes.

[RexBoyWonder]

The point is, You guys say that the posters who root for Hassan or are "nuthuggers" aren't HEAT fans, ok. So i ask, what are the posters who make all these outlandish claims of lack of professionalism, questions his character with no reason to, posts hateful things? Are they real HEAT fans? It's OK for people to like Hassan and stan for him and still be a HEAT fan. Didn't LeBron have those? Don't Wade? Don't Dragic? No fan is above the other, remember that.

The point is, it's annoying when any player-fan becomes obsessive and put his player above the team (it can be anooying with Wade/Dragic fans too), but a couple of you Hassan fans are taking nuthuggery to ALL NEW LEVEL. seriously.

You keep sending him to LA,
Keep saying how he hates the team and can't wait to get out of here
keep bitching about his minutes/role in every game regardless of it being a blowout or back2back,
Imagining half the board "hates him" (WTF?)
Can't find 1 thing he did wrong ever,
and repeating it a 1000 times in each and every single thread.

Just chill, realize no player is perfect and everybody gets criticize around here, as they should when it's a worthy criticism.

I find it kinda funny you're so sure I hate the guy, the same guy I was hyping and following and rooting for before you ever knew in which continent he played in.

I'm not sure if you're even a Heat fan, (and don't really care) - you can be just a player-fan, but accept that "your" player is just a piece in a team, and as fans of the team, I can assure you nobody wants anything but to see Hassan succeed, Both because we want him to do the best he potentially can, and because it will help the team be better, and that's the ultimate goal for team-fans.

[Rich2Hassan]

Hassan will never be a first option, not on this team not on any playoff team, He seems to accept it, even if his nuthuggers don't.

Not sure why you added their stats line, they just emphasis my point.

That's a pretty bold statement (pun intended), especially when he's just entering his prime at 26. His scoring efficiency seems to have gotten better as his USG% and role on offense increased. The numbers show his progression. It had to take Bosh having blood clots problem for us to see that Hassan is more than just a roll guy that is only good for lobs and putbacks. It's not a coincidence his FT shooting and midrange was well showcased after Bosh went down. The skills are there, but the decision making could be better at times. But that will only come with experience, and not the coaching staff putting him on a short leash for every mistake he makes.

Excellent points made cyclix, a very unbiased thought out post. IF only we had more posters who looked at things from different points of view.

[Rich2Hassan]

The point is, You guys say that the posters who root for Hassan or are "nuthuggers" aren't HEAT fans, ok. So i ask, what are the posters who make all these outlandish claims of lack of professionalism, questions his character with no reason to, posts hateful things? Are they real HEAT fans? It's OK for people to like Hassan and stan for him and still be a HEAT fan. Didn't LeBron have those? Don't Wade? Don't Dragic? No fan is above the other, remember that.

The point is, it's annoying when any player-fan becomes obsessive and put his player above the team (it can be anooying with Wade/Dragic fans too), but a couple of you Hassan fans are taking nuthuggery to ALL NEW LEVEL. seriously.

You keep sending him to LA,
keep bitching about his minutes/role in every game regardless of it being a blowout or back2back,
Imagining half the board "hates him" (WTF?)
Can't find 1 thing he did wrong ever,
and repeating it a 1000 times in each and every single thread.

Just chill, realize no player is perfect and everybody gets criticize around here, as they should when it's a worthy criticism.

I find it kinda funny you're so sure I hate the guy, the same guy I was hyping and following and rooting for before you ever knew in which continent he played in.

I'm not sure if you're even a Heat fan, (and don't really care) - you can be just a player-fan, but accept that "your" player is just a piece in a team, and as fans of the team, I can assure you nobody wants anything but to see Hassan succeed, Both because we want him to do the best he potentially can, and because it will help the team be better, and that's the ultimate goal for team-fans.

And this post is why i don't take you serious. Carry my friend, every game that goes by you look more foolish. I won't even go back and dig up a few more posts that i found not only from you but a few other of your friends. I'm done even acknowledging you guys, i will continue to root for this team AND HASSAN, and mention every time he has a great game. Don't take it personal.

[Rich2Hassan]

The full article that a great beat writer (Ira Winderman) posted about Hassan regarding Free Agency. Lets you in on Hassan's mindset and shows what a great professional athlete he is. Great things is coming his way!

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-ira-nba-column-s030616-column.html

[RexBoyWonder]

Be well.

[KingDavid]

I don't need to check myself, go back and read older posts in this thread and they are self explanatory. No need to come to his rescue KD, He can hold his on.

No, I don't think I have to. Like I said, I'm willing to bet the only reason why he's gone sour on Hassan is because of Hassan's attitude, behavior and lack of professionalism; before his last suspension. This PC Hassan is a totally different person and player. Idk if you were here when he continually told us how much he'd help us if we picked him up. For him to say that Hassan is not a first-option is just an opinion. I don't think he's first-option yet either...but if he improves the weaknesses of his game like he scarily improved his ft% to alarmingly high levels, then the sky's the limit.

What lack of professionalism? Has he gotten into fights that the team had to hide? (GERALD GREEN) Has he badmouthed the coach/org to the media? Has he been arrested for off the court issues? Has he cursed the coach out on national tv? (D WADE) You all go to far with this lack of professionalism BS that Ethan was feeding you. Hassan hasn't done anything wrong since he's been here. He is fighting for a contract, he's hungry, so if he pouts on the bench, for lack of playing time and touches then so be it. You have to understand where he's coming from, now while i don't condone it, i understand it. That flagrant 2 foul was questionable and almost all f2 fouls get suspension now a days.

Short term memory? Alex Len and Kelly Olynyk. That was unprofessional. Then his play and attitude weren't team-first. Which is fine if you've earned that right, but he didn't yet.

I love Hassan. Good and bad. But I'm not blind to his faults. But post allstar break, he's completely transformed.

[KingDavid]

The point is, You guys say that the posters who root for Hassan or are "nuthuggers" aren't HEAT fans, ok. So i ask, what are the posters who make all these outlandish claims of lack of professionalism, questions his character with no reason to, posts hateful things? Are they real HEAT fans? It's OK for people to like Hassan and stan for him and still be a HEAT fan. Didn't LeBron have those? Don't Wade? Don't Dragic? No fan is above the other, remember that.

Not exactly. In a number of threads, you're hoping amd practically begging Hassan to leave. In what universe does that help the Miami heat?

I don't care if anyone likes him or hates him, because it's all a matter of opinions...but when you start talking about taking talent off my home team, I'm going to raise an eyebrow.

I try not to be harsh to you N82WILL, because you get slammed by some posters here and I don't like to pile on. Except when I call you a knicks fan, I love doing that to you. I like reading the different point of views that you and Bourne85 have. But it seems the both of you are surprised by the reactions to some of the stuff you say. We're all a bunch of homers here.

[Rich2Hassan]

The point is, You guys say that the posters who root for Hassan or are "nuthuggers" aren't HEAT fans, ok. So i ask, what are the posters who make all these outlandish claims of lack of professionalism, questions his character with no reason to, posts hateful things? Are they real HEAT fans? It's OK for people to like Hassan and stan for him and still be a HEAT fan. Didn't LeBron have those? Don't Wade? Don't Dragic? No fan is above the other, remember that.

Not exactly. In a number of threads, you're hoping amd practically begging Hassan to leave. In what universe does that help the Miami heat?

I don't care if anyone likes him or hates him, because it's all a matter of opinions...but when you start talking about taking talent off my home team, I'm going to raise an eyebrow.

I try not to be harsh to you N82WILL, because you get slammed by some posters here and I don't like to pile on. Except when I call you a knicks fan, I love doing that to you. I like reading the different point of views that you and Bourne85 have. But it seems the both of you are surprised by the reactions to some of the stuff you say. We're all a bunch of homers here.

I say i want him to leave because, I'd rather see him flourish with another team than to ride the bench and have to play Spo's little mind games. That's the fan of Hassan talking, not the HEAT fan. If people THINK that they are "slamming" me than more power to them i guess. At the end of the day, all things positive about Hassan hurts THEM more than the negative stuff hurts US. It's always good talking to you KD, i really enjoy reading your posts although we go back and forth its all love.

[Myam333]

Want to see what a REAL Hassan hater looks like?

http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=415&t=1430595

Starting at #4, 11, and on

[Tim_Hardawayy]

At the end of the day, all things positive about Hassan hurts THEM more than the negative stuff hurts US.

That's... not really true, at all. I love when Hassan does well and you have singled me out as a Hassan hater multiple times. I think we're absolutely blessed to have found him, and he could be the best homegrown player since Wade easily.

I don't think anyone on this board wants to see Hassan fail.

[gom]

Want to see what a REAL Hassan hater looks like?

http://forums.realgm.com/boards/viewtopic.php?f=415&t=1430595

Starting at #4, 11, and on

No. He's just a Knicks fan that has a crap team and hates to see the Heat get so lucky. You should feel pity for him. You've seen the garbage they have to watch. Robin Lopez? Really?

If Hassan was on the Knicks, this dude would be proclaiming that he is the greatest basketball player since Wilt the Stilt. He's the opposite of a player-fan. He'll see anything through Knicks eyes. It's just as bad.

So, as for the rest of what this terrible thread has devolved into, I don't think this argument about Hassan is necessary or helpful. Miami has been instrumental in his success, but he will do what is in his best interest. While he's here, you should cheer for him, just like the other guys. If he leaves, if you want to cheer for him, it's your business.

Instead of bitching one way or another about his body language, his mental acuity, persecution complex, or perceived laziness (when he's become a 95% free throw shooter!), how about we enjoy his time here? He's been a great team player and instrumental in numerous wins. Why complain? And for the other side, why rub his success into the doubters who clearly are grateful that he has improved? What is the point? It's actually helpful to be skeptical.

Look. The team is winning now. We're playing well together and everyone has a part of its success. We'll have a chance for Hassan in the off-season, but nothing is guaranteed, so your best bet to see him in a Heat jersey is right now. Whatever happens later, if he stays focused and realizes his potential, at least (like Dwyane Wade said the other day) you've been part of the beginning of something very special.

[HIF]

Don't see why the league is even thinking about changing the free throw rules just for Dwight, DJ, and it doesn't look good for the game, but Hassan is a walking example of why you work on free throws. A guy that was considered horrible is now highly respectable from there now, how? Working on hitting your damn free throws.

NBA rules should be similar to FIBA rules. would FIBA make a rule change to save a star center-bad free-throw shooter's ass?

hope I can see the highlights of Hassan's performance on youtube. I can't always find his highlights of his recent games.

Pay for league pass and watch his whole career.

[HIF]

The fact remains is that we don't know what he's really thinking. Let's not act delusional and THINK he's happy coming off the bench, and dealing with a coach who plays favorites, when he's CLEARLY the second best player on this team. So Hassan haters and fickle ones, tell me how he's definitely staying. As a Hassan fan, i want him in Miami, the team i root for. BUT, i see BS and how he's been treated at times by the coach, teammates, fans, beat writers has been down right disgraceful. Green gets more respect than Hassan, just saying. July will be interesting though. My new sig is amazing, will post a different up every week.

C HASSAN WHITESIDE: 13.2 PPG, 11.7 REBS, 3.9 BLK, 24.98 PER
C DEANDRE JORDAN: 12.2 PPG, 14.1 REBS, 2.3 BLK, 20.8 PER

Yeah, Hassan is a glorified Deandre Jordan alright.

The Hassan haters are changing their tunes shame that the Spo haters aren't doing the same.

Again this year Spo has adapted to situations quickly even installing completely new offense and adding players to defence. He has shown AGAIN that he brings young players through WHEN they are ready and can contribute.

[Tony15]

The fact remains is that we don't know what he's really thinking. Let's not act delusional and THINK he's happy coming off the bench, and dealing with a coach who plays favorites, when he's CLEARLY the second best player on this team. So Hassan haters and fickle ones, tell me how he's definitely staying. As a Hassan fan, i want him in Miami, the team i root for. BUT, i see BS and how he's been treated at times by the coach, teammates, fans, beat writers has been down right disgraceful. Green gets more respect than Hassan, just saying. July will be interesting though. My new sig is amazing, will post a different up every week.

C HASSAN WHITESIDE: 13.2 PPG, 11.7 REBS, 3.9 BLK, 24.98 PER
C DEANDRE JORDAN: 12.2 PPG, 14.1 REBS, 2.3 BLK, 20.8 PER

Yeah, Hassan is a glorified Deandre Jordan alright.

The Hassan haters are changing their tunes shame that the Spo haters aren't doing the same.

Again this year Spo has adapted to situations quickly even installing completely new offense and adding players to defence. He has shown AGAIN that he brings young players through WHEN they are ready and can contribute.

It's too easy and convenient to blame the coach......so much so that whenever things go wrong it becomes the default response, no matter how absurd. Then organizations overreact and fire coaches 11 games in when things aren't smooth at first. There are certain things that annoy me about Spo, but he deserves a ton of credit.


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[Tony15]

Also, it takes a strong will mentally to buy into a TEAM concept and do what's necessary for the team to succeed in a contract year. It's probably the biggest reason I'm proud of Hassan. He's bought in. He keeps this up, and HEAT will pay him the max. They'd be silly not to after the time they've spent trying to get him fall in line w/ team basketball. Wrongly accused "Hassan haters" are man enough to acknowledge when he's doing well. Guess that's still not enough for some people....


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[Mars]

...Whiteside has been laser-focused since a 90-minute meeting with Spoelstra, in his office, during the All-Star break. So what happened in that meeting?

“He told me I'm a top-15 player talent [wise]. It's just if I'm willing to come out and play like it every night,” Whiteside said. “Spo's motto is 1 percent better. I can come out here and have 10 blocks. It doesn't matter.

"He talks about being a better defender, being a better offensive player, being a better teammate, being a better person. We have an understanding of each other. We talked for so long. Me and coach Spo, we worked our way up to get here. Spo is my guy.”

Teammates notice a difference. Dragic said Whiteside is more engaged, “more focused. Sometimes you tried to tell him something [previously] and he didn’t listen too much. Now he’s doing that. The communication goes both ways.

“It's not only about listening, it's about talking --- to give information out and receive information. He's listening to the players and coaches and he's doing his thing. It's the most relaxed I've seen him. He's just happy. He's found that last step he needs in his game.”

Wade said Whiteside came back from the All-Star break “a different person on the floor and really focusing and being dominant night in and night out."...

Link

[dubasilva]

I've been paying attention for a while and I noticed Wade and Whiteside barely talk, never High 5, don't look eye to eye. I understand they are professional and professionals don't necessarily have to be friends.
However, the Heat really pushes the family environment and the players get along. It doesn't seem that Whiteside gets along with some of the veteran leaders of this team. Consequently, I find it very hard to believe he'll be a Heat player next season.