Early in the season, this was one of the Miami Heat's major storylines:
Hassan Whiteside sitting, watching and sometimes moping in the fourth quarter.
Now he's starring.
Some of this is due to circumstance: Chris Bosh's absence means that, rather than a crowded frontcourt, Miami needs a big on the floor late.
But some of this is due to his progression in a number of areas: his ability to largely avoid foul trouble (with the exception of Thursday night's win against the Bulls).
Here are Whiteside's fourth quarter averages in 24 games since the All-Star break...
-- 10.0 minutes (out of 12)
-- 6.3 points
-- 4.1 rebounds
-- 1.1 blocks
-- 64.8% from the field
-- 76.6% from the line
That last number may be the most important.
There's no longer a reason to take him off the floor.
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