Fansided

11 biggest surprises from the 2014-15 NBA season so far

By Evan Massey

Dec 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Kyle Korver (26) and small forward DeMarre Carroll (5) and point guard Jeff Teague (0) and center Al Horford (15) walk on the court against the Utah Jazz in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Kyle Korver (26) and small forward DeMarre Carroll (5) and point guard Jeff Teague (0) and center Al Horford (15) walk on the court against the Utah Jazz in the third quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 16, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) between plays against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Miami Heat defeated the Sacramento Kings 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) between plays against the Sacramento Kings during the third quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Miami Heat defeated the Sacramento Kings 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

Hassan Whiteside

The Miami Heat have been needing a dominant big man for the last few seasons, and they seem to have finally found one. Hassan Whiteside has come out of nowhere this season to be one of the best young big men in the game, and has dominated quite a few games to help lead the Heat to victories this season.

Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic are a great back-court, but without a big man in the middle like Whiteside they wouldn’t stand a chance.

Miami is still fighting for a playoff spot, but they are not going to be an easy team to beat in a seven-game series. Whiteside is a big part of what the Heat do on both sides of the floor, and they need him to continue playing at a high level.

It will be interesting to see whether or not the Heat end up making the postseason.

Whiteside has averaged 10.9 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game. During the month of February those numbers were much higher, averaging 14.5 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game.

Next: 4. Milwaukee Bucks

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