Fansided

Top 10 players setting themselves up to be overpaid

By Robert Judin

Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) reches for a loose ball during the first ahlf against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) reches for a loose ball during the first ahlf against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is fouled by Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the third quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) is fouled by Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) during the third quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans won 93-90. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Hassan Whiteside

Hassan Whiteside had a meteoric rise to stardom last season for the Miami Heat. The No. 33 overall pick from the 2010 NBA Draft by the Sacramento Kings, Whiteside was basically a castaway when the Heat picked him up.

In fact, Whiteside literally did not score a single point in his rookie season with the Kings. Of course, he only played in one game — but still.

In his second year, Whiteside managed just 29 points, 39 rebounds and 15 blocks in 18 games for Sacramento.

That’s when his career took a turn.

Whiteside was not brought back by the Kings, and his stock took a hit. He was out of the NBA for the next two years before Miami brought him in for the 2014-15 season — on a whim.

He was a diamond in the rough for the Heat. Whiteside emerged as a premier shot blocker and interior presence for Erik Spoelstra’s team.

He averaged 12 points and 10 rebounds per game in 48 games for Miami. His 2.6 blocks per game might have been the most valuable contribution he made. The biggest weakness for the Heat during the past few years has been their lack of a true big man in the middle.

Ever since Alonzo Mourning retired and Shaquille O’Neal was traded away, Miami has lacked a true center. Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem and Chris Anderson could only do so much for so long.

The problem is Whiteside is making less than $1 million and will be a free agent after this year. If he can duplicate his production from last season, teams will be at his doorstep ready to give him all-star-level money to bring his defensive abilities to their roster.

He’s not an all-star-caliber player right now, but he’s probably going to be paid like one.

Next: 3. DeMar DeRozan

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