With an open Eastern Conference, and a legitimate chance at an NBA Finals appearance, the Miami Heat will need Hassan Whiteside to step up when the stage lights are their brightest, but each monster performance by the 7-footer could end up hurting Micky Arison’s wallet.
The Heat find themselves in a peculiar situation. In the team’s first two playoff games this season, Whiteside has been absolutely phenomenal, averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds, 2.5 blocks. Most importantly, he’s been hugely efficient, shooting 89.5 percent from the field. He’s missed two shots all postseason.
The big man has stepped up at the time this team needs him most.