Hassan Whiteside spent the majority of his ten-year career with the Miami Heat and worked with some of the franchise’s biggest stars.
Not only did he grow close with Dwyane Wade, head coach Erik Spoelstra, and others, but he also got to know Pat Riley.
On the latest episode of “The OGs Show,” Whiteside said that Riley pushed him very hard during what should have been just another workout.
He said that Riley, dressed in a suit with slicked-back hair, demanded much from Whiteside and had him leaping high on the court.
Whiteside was instructed to lick his hand and then jump as high as he could to hit the backboard.
Even though he knew he was likely subjecting himself to many germs, Whiteside did as he was told.
Co-host Mike Miller added that Riley has a history of trying to “break” players.
He wants to push members of the Heat as far as they can go and doesn’t worry about them breaking.
He wishes to see what they are capable of and this workout with Whiteside is proof of that.
But it paid off because Whiteside was a terrific talent when playing for the Heat.
He averaged 14.1 points and 11.9 rebounds during his five seasons in Miami, before moving on to the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, and Utah Jazz.
Riley is one of the most historic names in NBA history and there is a reason for that.
His non-stop determination and drive aren’t limited to players on his team.
Instead, he demands so much from himself as well.
Even though he made Whiteside work hard, there is no doubt that he also expects nothing short of 100% from himself.
