Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

NBA Position Rankings: Top 10 centers in the NBA

By Spencer R. Henderson

Apr 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the net past Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) drives to the net past Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 12
Next
Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat, Evan Fournier, Orlando Magic
Mar 25, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) blocks a shot by Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) in the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Hassan Whiteside

You can make the case that this guy is the best shot blocker in the NBA.

Whiteside has owned the defensive end. His talents on that side of the floor was the main reason he received a nice $98-million contract this offseason from Pat Riley.

Riley understood Whiteside’s stat line of 17.6 points per 36 minutes, 14.7 rebounds per 36 minutes and 4.6 blocks per 36 minutes is unlike what any other player can produce for their team on a night to-night basis.

Whiteside has a unique defensive skill set that allowed him to register a triple double in blocks, a rare occurrence in the NBA — the last one occurred in 2013 by Joakim Noah. Whiteside has had that points, rebounds, blocks triple double four times.

He has changed the game and kept a fading position relevant.

He also shot 60.6 percent from the field in 2016.  With the departure of Dwyane Wade, and the uncertainty surrounding Chris Bosh‘s health, he should be the featured offensive player.

He could become the new Miami Heat royalty if he can improve on his 65 percent shooting from the free-throw line and bump up his point per game average to at least 20 points.

Expectations are high because the Heat still expect to make the playoffs despite Wade’s departure.

Whiteside has the opportunity to slide into the top-three conversation if he can will this young Heat team deep into the playoffs.

Next: Mr. Versatility