Washington Wizards: An Analytical Look at Free Agent Alternatives to Kevin Durant in Free Agency
By Osman Baig
Hassan Whiteside:
Can Hassan Whiteside be a Franchise Player? 7.8
Hassan Whiteside is not currently a franchise player, but at 26-years-old and only in essence completing his first full season in the NBA, he represents the most attainable chance at a franchise player in the free agency landscape after Kevin Durant.
Averaging 12.6 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.9 blocks per game in just 29 minutes per game, Hassan Whiteside may just be scratching the surface. The thought of pairing the 26-year-old Whiteside with the 25-year-old John Wall is also enticing as this duo can form a dynamic two way tandem.
The obvious issue is reported immaturity issues that had Hassan Whiteside involved in rumored trade talks heading into the trade deadline. How will he respond to a max contract?
Does Hassan Whiteside make the Wizards a contender? 7.8
If Hassan Whiteside can keep his head on straight the answer may be “yes”.
The Washington Wizards have the makings of a roster full of players that can space the floor around Whiteside and John Wall on the offensive end. Defensively, as Wizards fans have seen firsthand on two occasions, he can be a game changer shutting down the paint, cleaning up penetration by opposing guards, and then triggering the fast break with his defense.
Age is a factor again and a nucleus of John Wall, Bradley Beal, and Hassan Whiteside could push LeBron in the East.
Can Hassan Whiteside be more popular than a Chik Fil-A sandwich? 7.2
A shot blocker like him just might be.
Hassan Whiteside can do for blocking shots what Stephen Curry has done for the 3-point shot (maybe a slight exaggeration).
If my wife tries to put vegetables in my plate, that shot is getting blocked. If someone walks by my desk and tries to throw crumpled papers into my trash can, that shot is getting blocked, and if my neighbor shovels their snow in front of my car next snowstorm, that shot is getting blocked too.
Hassan Whiteside won’t have to foul since he’ll be blocking every shot in the fourth quarter, so if he doesn’t even allow the opponent to get the free throw line, he’s already defeated Chik Fil-A.
WoA Factor: 22.8
Next: Will John Wall Eventually Leave Washington?
There you have it. While any of the five aforementioned free agents would be a welcomed addition to the Washington Wizards, the analytics don’t lie and Mr. Whiteside should be target number no.1 if Kevin Durant passes on the opportunity to play for the Washington Wizards.