5. Hassan Whiteside, Miami Heat (Unrestricted)
It seems like there is at least one player in every crop of NBA free agents that is wholly divisive to fans, front offices, coaches, and even players in regards to what he’s worth and what teams should be willing to pay to bring him into their system. Though there are a number of guys that qualify in that regard to some degree, no player is more indicative of that situation than Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside.
In terms of just statistical output, there truly aren’t many young players that jump off the page in the way that Whiteside does. He’s a progressing offensive talent that can be dangerous in pick-and-roll situations as the roll-man that keeps getting better by the day. Whiteside is also one of the most prolific shot blockers in the entire league in addition to being a good rebounder.
What makes Whiteside such a divisive figure, though, is the fact that many people wonder about his maturity still and wonder how much of his production is just empty stats meant to make him look good as an individual without the team in mind.
Obviously that complicates things for a team like the Lakers, but you have to imagine that Whiteside is on their radar in a big way. Los Angeles needs a center and he’s one of the best on the market.
Next: No. 4 Conley