In the National Basketball Association (NBA), the understanding of most players is that their value is listed on the numbers they put up on the stat sheet.
That could be in the form of scoring, rebounding, blocking, or assists. But when you find yourself on a team like the Miami Heat which is oozing with superstars, none of that matters. It is how you contribute and help the team win.
Hassan Whiteside has slowly been doing that and he isn't even aware of it.
Whiteside has been making waves as a defensive presence, albeit in the area of swatting shots. He has carved a name for himself and the defensive end is an area which the Heat could really use a lot of help in.
Together with Gerald Green, such was in full display against the Orlando Magic. The scoring wasn't needed, with Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade at the anchor, and head coach Erik Spoelstra was elated on their effort which was obviously pertaining to their defensive effort.
As far as Whiteside is concerned, it was his defensive stance on Elfrid Payton who eluded Goran Dragić that was seen as the big difference. Had it not been for that stop, the Heat would have lost that match.
So in essence, the importance of Whiteside is not on the stat line but on the things he does on the court. They are best known as intangibles and at the end of the day, it is won games that is more important.
Whiteside is expected to get a fat raise in the offseason, most likely a max contract.
That big payday could be given by the Heat if the team manages to make the necessary salary adjustments or shun the possibility of incurring luxury tax penalties.
If not the Heat, he is likely to be offered a lucrative offer sheet by other teams. Either way, Whiteside has made his mark. He just has to understand that basketball goes way beyond the big numbers — it is about how one contributes to the team's success.
