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Broussard: Hassan Whiteside a "Nice Little Diversion" for Heat Fans

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Hassan Whiteside continues to tear up the paint for the Miami Heat, averaging 14.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 3.6 blocks over his last five games -- three wins and two losses. Miami's defensive efficiency has soared with his infusion into the rotation, ranking sixth in the league over the same period. Although his sample size is just 14 games, he also leads all centers in Player Efficiency Rating.

So the national media is starting to pay some attention to Miami's electric young big man, right?

"Not really," ESPN's Chris Broussard said on Tuesday's Marc Hochman Show with Zach Krantz. "It's a nice little diversion for you guys. I mean you're 16-21 or something like that. This is nice for you so we're happy for you."

After some jabbing with the hosts, thankfully the NBA reporter decided to put the condescension away and went on to describe how Whiteside can best help the Heat moving forward.

"He can run, he can jump, he can finish, apparently he can rebound -- he's got the tools," Broussard said. "I know he's been scoring some too, but if he can do those critical things -- blocking shots, being a presence at the rim, rebounding, finishing when guys penetrate and dish to him or alley oops, offensive rebounds -- he can become an effective player in this league.

"I'm glad to see it because again I thought he had potential coming out into the draft and hopefully this is more than just a fly-by-night nice little run."

If Whiteside continues to fill up the stat sheet and the Heat continue to tally wins amid what's been a frustrating, injury-riddled season, the national media will be forced to recognize the young seven-footer and the Hassanity (a term stolen by Hochman and Krantz) that's coming along with him.

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