The NBA suspended Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside one game Thursday for his elbow to the head of Spurs center Boban Marjanovic on Tuesday.
The suspension comes in a season where Whiteside has established himself as an incredible shot blocker and finisher at the rim, but also a hothead with maturity issues that have frustrated Heat players and coaches. With Whiteside in a contract year and headed for what looks to be a massive overpay in free agency, you have to think the Heat will be active in seeking a trade for Whiteside. Whiteside has still been productive and can be an impact player for a team, but with the Heat focused on short-term goals, finding time to develop him emotionally may not be something they have the bandwidth for.
Whiteside will miss the Heat's game vs. the Atlanta Hawks on February 19th after the trade deadline if he remains with Miami.
