A: Erik explained after the game that he believed the Heat were developing an offensive rhythm when Hassan was out and wanted to maintain that. I give him credit for standing by a conviction. But I'm not sure it wasn't misguided. It's one thing when Spoelstra sits Luol Deng late; he will be a free agent in the offseason, and almost certainly will be moving on, based on the Heat's salary-cap situation. It's also one thing when he sits Goran Dragic late; he is locked into a long-term contract. But what type of statement does it make when you put an impending free agent in that position? I give Hassan credit for biting his tongue after the game. If the money is equal in the offseason, would you sign with the team that often has turned elsewhere with games in the balance? Getting a read on the level the Heat value Whiteside is a difficult, and sometimes trouble, proposition,.