Great Leap: 7 NBA players who could make the leap from good to great this season

#5 Hassan Whiteside

Whiteside is the quintessential “comeback kid”

Whiteside’s unexpected rise and skill-set have been similar to Gobert’s: a big man who has made the most of unexpected opportunity to become a rebounding and shot-blocking threat.

But beyond that, Whiteside’s unique story deviates from nearly every other player in the NBA. The 26-year-old was drafted into the NBA in the second round in 2010, but bounced around between the D-League, China, and Lebanon without finding a solid home for himself. That ‘home’ finally became Miami, as the post-LeBron Heat suddenly began to enjoy breakout performances in Whiteside’s first year of NBA stability.

Now, he’s proving that last season was no flash in the pan. Top five in rebounds, field goal percentage, and blocks (where he’s the leader at 4 bpg), Whiteside has become a major part of Miami’s ambitions to rise as Eastern Conference contenders again. The most surprising stat? His efficiency rating of 23.6, highest in his team and 10th best of all players in the NBA!