Heat fine Whiteside for comments detrimental to team

After Hassan Whiteside questioned his playing time Saturday night, the Miami Heat announced that they had fined the center an undisclosed amount for “comments detrimental to the team.” He will not be suspended for his actions.

It’s not surprising that the Heat would make this move after one of their players openly questioned his playing time. It’s also worth noting that when asked if his lack of playing time makes him question his future with the team, Whiteside said, “I don’t know. Maybe.” (He’s in the second year of a four-year, $98 million contract now.) A member of the Heat’s media relations staff ended Whiteside’s interview with journalists after that.

If Whiteside has matured from the player the Heat signed in November 2014 — someone who had played overseas and had just failed to make the final roster of the Memphis Grizzlies — he will not sulk, but play with renewed vigor and gusto Tuesday against the Hawks.