Hassan Whiteside did unkind things to Derrick Favors on a monster jam
Hassan Whiteside is going to play a pivotal role in the success of the Miami Heat in the 2015-16 NBA season. The explosive young center proved last season that he can be an electric shot-blocker and energetic offensive player, but the Heat need that to continue with the return of Chris Bosh this season. Whiteside still looked pretty electrifying on Thursday night with what he did to Derrick Favors.
Playing against the Utah Jazz and Favors, Whiteside called for the ball early in the third quarter in the low post. The Heat got him the rock and he backed down Favors to his spot. Whiteside then hit a drop step and it looked like he might put up a soft floater. Instead, he just dunked right in the Jazz big man’s face:
That’s just a wake of destruction that Whiteside left on that play. Even if Favors had expected Whiteside to just go over top of him for the dunk, I’m not sure there’s much he could do to battle that kind of length and power.
As I said, Whiteside maintaining the level of proficiency and energy that he gave this team in Bosh’s absence last season will go a long way in helping the Heat become a force in the Eastern Conference. Miami fans have to be expecting or hoping for that type of play from the big man. Even if he can’t deliver, he’s still good for plays like this every once in a while.