Last Updated on April 17, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Here’s the detailed information on Hassan Whiteside:

Player Profile

  • Full Name: Hassan Niam Whiteside
  • Nationality: American
  • Age: Born June 13, 1989
  • Hometown: Gastonia, North Carolina
  • Height: 7’0″ (2.13 m)
  • Weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
  • Wingspan: 7’7″ (2.31 m)
  • Shoe Size: 15 (US)
  • Number: Wore #21, #20, and #33 during his career
  • Position: Center
  • High School:
    • Hunter Huss High School, Gastonia, North Carolina
    • Later attended The Patterson School, Lenoir, North Carolina
  • College: Marshall University (2009–2010)
  • NBA Draft: 2010 NBA Draft, 33rd overall pick by the Sacramento Kings
  • Teams Played For:
    • Sacramento Kings (2010–2012)
    • Miami Heat (2014–2019)
    • Portland Trail Blazers (2019–2020)
    • Sacramento Kings (2020–2021)
    • Utah Jazz (2021–2022)
    • Played internationally and in minor leagues at various points of his career.
  • Championship Rings: None
  • Kids: Has one son, Naseem Whiteside
  • Siblings: Six siblings, including his brother Nassan, who inspired him to support autism awareness

Player Archetype / Play Style

Hassan Whiteside’s player archetype was that of a classic rim-running rim protector — a massive interior center whose game was built around shot blocking, rebounding, vertical finishing, and controlling the paint far more than perimeter skill or offensive creation. Defensively, he functioned as a back-line anchor and deterrent at the basket, using his length, timing, and sheer size to erase attempts around the rim, though lineup flexibility and faster small-ball matchups could sometimes reduce his impact. Offensively, his role was comparatively narrow but effective: screen, dive, finish lobs, clean up misses, and score on cuts, putbacks, and other close-range chances rather than operate as a hub or floor-spacing big. His physical traits — legitimate seven-foot size, long reach, broad frame, and high-end shot-blocking tools — made him one of the more imposing interior presences of his era. Overall, Whiteside played as a paint-dominant specialist whose value came from rim protection, rebounding volume, and efficient inside scoring, even if the modern game sometimes exposed the limits of that style. (Bleacher Report)

Sources:

Bleacher Report — Potential Trade Packages and Landing Spots for Miami Heat Star Hassan Whiteside
Bleacher Report — 2022 NBA Free Agency Big Board: Ranking the Top 30 Free Agents
Bleacher Report — 2020 NBA Draft: Historical and Current Pro Comparisons for Projected Top Picks
Bleacher Report — Ranking the Top 10 Centers in 2022 NBA Free Agency