Whiteside's early years in the NBA were challenging. During his initial stint with the Kings, he struggled to find playing time and was often assigned to the NBA Development League (now known as the G League). His time with the Kings was short-lived, and he was waived in 2012. Over the next couple of years, Whiteside's career took him overseas, where he played for teams in Lebanon and China, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience.
In 2014, Whiteside returned to the NBA, signing with the Miami Heat. This marked a turning point in his career. With the Heat, Whiteside began to showcase his abilities as a dominant defensive presence. During the 2014-2015 season, he quickly became known for his shot-blocking prowess and rebounding skills. On January 25, 2015, he recorded a triple-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 blocks in a game against the Chicago Bulls, setting a franchise record for blocks in a game.
Whiteside's performance continued to improve, and he became a key player for the Heat. In the 2015-2016 season, he led the NBA in blocks per game and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team. His efforts were recognized with a lucrative contract extension with the Heat in 2016, solidifying his role as a central figure in the team's lineup.
Throughout his tenure with the Heat, Whiteside was known for his ability to control the paint, both defensively and offensively. He consistently ranked among the league leaders in rebounds and blocks, and his presence was a significant factor in the Heat's defensive strategies. However, his time in Miami was not without challenges. Whiteside occasionally faced criticism for his consistency and attitude, leading to fluctuating playing time and a complex relationship with the coaching staff.
In 2019, Whiteside was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers. With Portland, he continued to be a force in the paint, leading the league in blocks per game during the 2019-2020 season. His tenure with the Trail Blazers was marked by solid performances, but the team opted not to re-sign him after the season.
Whiteside then joined the Sacramento Kings for the 2020-2021 season, returning to the team that had drafted him a decade earlier. His role with the Kings was more limited, but he provided valuable experience and depth to the roster. In 2021, Whiteside signed with the Utah Jazz, where he played as a backup center, contributing to the team's strong regular-season performance.
Throughout his career, Whiteside was known for his defensive capabilities, particularly his shot-blocking and rebounding.
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