Early in the season, this was one of the Miami Heat's major storylines:

Hassan Whiteside sitting, watching and sometimes moping in the fourth quarter.

Now he's starring.

Some of this is due to circumstance: Chris Bosh's absence means that, rather than a crowded frontcourt, Miami needs a big on the floor late.

But some of this is due to his progression in a number of areas: his ability to largely avoid foul trouble (with the exception of Thursday night's win against the Bulls).

Here are Whiteside's fourth quarter averages in 24 games since the All-Star break...

-- 10.0 minutes (out of 12)

-- 6.3 points

-- 4.1 rebounds

-- 1.1 blocks

-- 64.8% from the field

-- 76.6% from the line

That last number may be the most important.

There's no longer a reason to take him off the floor.