7. Evaluating Utah Jazz center Hassan Whiteside against the Thunder
Stats for Hassan Whiteside:
- 19 minutes
- Six points
- 2-for-4 from the field, 2-for-2 from the foul line
- 10 rebounds
- Zero assists
- One steal
- Two blocks
- One turnover
- Five fouls
Hassan Whiteside served as a defensive machine around the rim almost immediately after entering the game midway through the first quarter in the offseason free-agent addition’s official debut for the Utah Jazz. His timing in blocking and altering shots was spot-on; overall, the 32-year-old’s defensive presence rivaled the man he subbed in for, Rudy Gobert.
Plus, like Gobert, Whiteside was an absolute menace on the boards.
On the other hand, the 7-foot, 265-pound Whiteside has work to do when it comes to gelling with his teammates on offense, especially in pick-and-roll action, where Gobert excels. And his average of one foul per four minutes against the Oklahoma City Thunder could be a sign of persistent foul trouble to come this season.
Player grade: 84 (B)