Hassan Whiteside...
Roll Man:
18.2% of offense
1.23 PPP
61.7% Score Frequency
89.2 Percentile
Off the Cut:
19.4% of offense
1.34 PPP
66.3% Score Frequency
76.5 Percentile
Put Back:
21.6% of offense
1.18 PPP
61.5% Score Frequency
71.3 Percentile
In Transition:
4.5% of offense
1.20 PPP
70% Score Frequency
68.8 Percentile
So in these stats, it's clear that Whiteside fits. Russell is very good on the pocket pass off the P&R. Russell, Clarkson & Randle are very inconsistent in transition, they can all grab a rebound and get running, but they're still young, and are not great at it. Whiteside adds another guy who can trail, and get a putback. Hassan fits with Randle defensively. Also they are the 3rd & 4th best Defensive Rebounders in the league, which if Hassan's defense translates to LA, the Lakers would greatly improve as a defensive team, because Whiteside guards the rim, and both secure rebounds limiting second chance points.
This is assuming a new coach. Byron can't even get us out of last place having Roy Hibbert, say what you want about Roy... But being last with him on the team, is an indictment of really bad coaching regardless of other players.
Now we move on to:
Misc.
12.4% of offense
0.33 PPP
44.8% Score Frequency
20.8 Percentile
Post Up:
21.4% of offense
0.63PPP
31.6% Score Frequency
15.7 Percentile
Like Hibbert, you can't rely on Whiteside to create any of his own offense. Where as, I'd be more comfortable with Hibbert taking a flat footed shot, I don't even want Whiteside to consider that shot. Neither are good at getting their own points. Another issue of Whiteside vs. Hibbert is Hibbert can move the ball in a half court set, Whiteside can't at all.
Whiteside is clearly the better player.... He's better at cleaning up the garbage on offense, way better in pick and roll. Also better at defense (guarding the rim at the level Hibbert did a few years ago), and unlike Roy, has the athleticism that allows for contesting a shot, and still being able to rebound.
So yes? If a max is what it takes to get Whiteside, I'm weary, but I'll do it. I prefer $16mil / year, but if it takes $21mil / year, then you gotta do it.
But? Whiteside is also a head case. He seems to have personality issues, issues with things beyond his control that take him out mentally. He's also a horrid FT shooter. He's susceptible to Hack-A- strategies. Led Spo to take him out of 4th quarters, rightly or wrongly.
So I don't give Whiteside a max without a backup as well.
My suggestion, and this is IF we can only get two max guys, if it's preventing us from signing a potential All-Star then I back away from the plan. We give Whiteside the max. But we also re-sign Roy Hibbert to Asik's deal. Not 5 years, but 3 with a player option 4th. 3 year / $31mil, 4th year kicks it up to $42mil.
Hibbert provides some leadership and accountability of Whiteside. Which Whiteside needs. Also, Roy has been great for the young guys we have. Been a professional who actually cares to talk to and coach the kids. Helps out the bench having a guy who can defend in Hibbert. Also prevents Hack-A- strategy because we could always sub Hibbert in, where it ends that strategy because Hibbert is an excellent FT shooter.
If you were able to land KD-Whiteside & Batum, then I take this plan out of the realm. Because Batum's worth > *. But if you could only get Whiteside & Batum, bringing in Roy is worth it. Doesn't prevent anything of substance for the Lakers.
Yeah yeah Roy Hibbert stinks.. Blah blah.... Yadda Yadda. But Whiteside being the only free agent signing at the max is a tremendous mistake.