Hassan Whiteside is undoubtedly one of the most coveted free agent big men this offseason. The former Heat center made Second-Team All Defense last season and led the league in blocks while averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and minutes.
Needless to say, there are tens of teams across the league who are interested in signing Whiteside – including the the Miami Heat. He’s always been extremely talented, and his production finally began to gel consistently with his gifts in 2015-16.
But Whiteside also comes with his own set of challenges for whatever team picks him up. He’s a known hothead and has had his fair share of questionable plays during his two years in Miami. He also has a rather unique personality, as evidenced by his Snapchat account.
On his account (username “YoungWhiteside” if you’re so inclined to follow him), Whiteside made a rather curious remark on Thursday regarding his career in the league.
Hassan Whiteside, on his Snapchat, when asked if he was a basketball player said he responded, "'I'm a businessman that plays basketball."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) June 24, 2016
*insert Jay-Z lyric joke here*
In all seriousness, it’s curious to note the point Whiteside is trying to get across there. Is he saying he isn’t 100 percent invested in playing basketball and has other interests? Or is he just telling teams that he’s going to go where the money is?
It’s totally fine if it’s the former or the latter, by the way. NBA players are people too and they are allowed to have interests outside of playing basketball or take the most lucrative job opportunity available in the field at which they excel most. Still, the timing of him saying that when he’s likely about to get offered a max contract is a bit strange.
Regardless, Whiteside is at the very least adding another level of interest to his free agent pursuit, and his social media accounts are worth a follow during the next few weeks.
