When the little-known defensive specialist Hassan Whiteside unexpectedly became a borderline star with the Miami Heat in the second half of last season, the big question was whether he was a one-season wonder or a player at the beginning of a special career.
Eleven games into his second season with the Heat, Whiteside, 26, who had been out of the N.B.A. for two seasons, seems to have cleared up any ambiguity. Whiteside, a 7-footer, is leading the N.B.A. in blocks per game, is second in field-goal percentage and is fourth in rebounds a game. His name stands out among the league leaders for his unusual pedigree, but the thought that he may be a fluke is fading fast.