Whiteside has bounced around but his talent level is still really high for a backup. Elite shot blocking and rebounding and he’s not the most balanced offensively but can score.
Are his downsides that huge? He seems a full step above others in terms of production. Maybe two.
The question with Whiteside, as well as some of the others, is: how much of a problem will it be for them to not play some games? If both Horford and Rob are available, the third center probably won’t see the floor. No one likes not playing, but some guys deal with it better than others. Can Whiteside? Can Howard? Fans are like “we need a guy in case of injury”, but most players don’t want to sign to somewhere where they’re only getting to play if there’s an injury, especially if they’ve been an every night player for years.
I’m good with Whiteside. I don’t think he’d like the fit, however.
His defense is in decline as well. More exposed / uncomfortable defending on the perimeter than before. Less agile & able to keep up with guards.
I expected Utah to get a bigger boost from having Whiteside to backup Gobert. To have a legit big long shot-blocking center who could maintain their defensive structure while Gobert rested. I was surprised by how little impact Whiteside had for them. And by how badly his perimeter D had declined.
But yeah talent wise, even in decline, Whiteside is better than most if not all of the alternatives. My main concern, like Celtics2021, is with his character / personality.
You need a certain type of individual who is comfortable with getting DNPs regularly, who will keep working hard despite not playing, maintain a good energy and attitude despite not playing ... and I just do not believe Whiteside is that guy.
He is a sulker.
A potential malcontent if not playing.