NBA Offseason 2020: 5 potential landing spots for Hassan Whiteside
By Mike Luciano
Hassan Whiteside might be on the move this offseason after one year in Portland.
In an age where back to the basket centers are going the way of the dinosaur, Hassan Whiteside remains as one of the last of a dying breed. While he can be a bit of a headcase at times, Whiteside was one of the more productive centers in the league last year with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 15.5 points, 13.5 rebounds per game, and a league-leading 2.9 blocks per game despite playing just 30.0 minutes per game.
Given the presence of Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins, Whiteside might play elsewhere in 2020-21, and these five teams should welcome him with open arms.
These five teams should try to add Hassan Whiteside in NBA Free Agency
Scouting Report. Southeast. . 5. player. 142. Pick Analysis. Washington Wizards
Washington is one of the most peculiar rosters in the league right now. While they could theoretically compete for a playoff spot in the weak East given the presence of Bradley Beal and the return of John Wall, their shocking lack of depth could just as easily put them in contention for the No. 1 pick in the draft. As impressive as Rui Hachimura looked last year, it’s clear that if Washington wants to make a run this season, they needed another big presence on the interior, and Whiteside fits the bill.
Thomas Bryant, who averaged 13.2 points and 7.2 rebounds per game this year, has proven he can stick around in this league, but his struggles against some of the better offensive bigs in the game make the interior a position of need, and Whiteside could make Washington better on that end while improving one of the worst defenses in the league.
The Wizards could use the No. 8 pick in the draft on a big, but opting for the battle-tested option in Whiteside is the better move from a win-now perspective.