Charlotte Hornets: Shopping for Centers?
2015-16 numbers – 14 points, 12 rebounds, 3.7 blocks per game
Whiteside is sort of the Russell Wilson of the Miami Heat. He came in on a bargain deal and blew up so that it will complicate the Heat’s efforts to keep him. The Heat are currently trying to make the most out of his bargain contract. They could be in a pinch with Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng also free agents. This makes more attractive to other teams than Drummond since the big former Husky will not likely leave Detroit.
Whiteside’s fit in the Clifford defensive system is obvious as he will block the basketball when it goes inside. He can also finish down low but he would not be the clear offensive threat some of the other players on this list would be. Surround him with enough shooting and that might not matter at all.
The only concern is the big contract factor. Will Whiteside continue to perform once he gets paid? The Hornets got bit on this once with the Lance Stephenson deal.
Next: Al Horford