NBA Free Agency 2016: 5 worst fits for Hassan Whiteside

Projecting the worst destinations for Hassan Whiteside in free agency.

Hassan Whiteside has only been with the Miami Heat for two seasons, but he’s already established himself as one of the top centers in the league. He averaged a double double last season and has carved out a role as one of the premier shot-blockers, even leading the league in that category this past season. He also became the fastest Heat player in franchise history to 1,000 rebounds, accomplishing that feat in 95 games.

However, for as good as he’s been, there has been a lot to suggest that he could leave the Heat in free agency. He’ll be the most coveted center on the market, meaning he’ll be in line for a max contract. But the Miami Herald is reporting that front office is persuading him to sign for less than that. And despite his best efforts, he finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, prompting him to say “I never get credit for anything I do.” And that’s not even mentioning that the Heat tried dealing him straight up for Dwight Howard at the trade deadline.

But when he went down in the playoffs, Miami felt the full extent of his impact when they rotated between their back-up options of Amare Stoudemire and Udonis Haslem, then got bullied on the glass by Bismack Biyombo. If Whiteside were healthy, there’s no way they get eliminated by the Toronto Raptors, meaning the Heat will do their absolute best to try and retain him.

There will be plenty of teams knocking on the door, especially since the Heat don’t have his Bird rights, but they won’t prove to be as good a fit for Whiteside as Miami will be. Let’s run down the reasons why.

Next: 5. Dallas Mavericks