Former 2-Time NBA Blocked Shot Leader Retiring From Basketball

His rim protection was always elite, and his rebounding too. But despite all that, the now 34-year-old just couldn't land another job in the NBA the past couple of seasons. Now, it appears that Hassan Whiteside is retiring from the game. 

BREAKING: Hassan Whiteside has told management of the Pirates of Quebradillas of Puerto Rico that he will not be back with the team because he is retiring from the game of basketball.

Whiteside, 34, played 10 years in the NBA & led the NBA in blocks in 2016 & 2020 & rebounds in… pic.twitter.com/7TmzjswTIr

— NBA Buzz (@OfficialNBABuzz) February 13, 2024

Whiteside was playing in Puerto Rico this season when he was unable to get a bite in the NBA; he has now told the management of the Pirates of Quebradillas club that he will not be returning to the team because he is retiring from the game of basketball.

The 34-year-old played 10 years in the NBA, and was the league leader in blocked shots on two occasions, in 2016 and 2020, and he also led the league in rebounds in 2017.

In 511 career games, Whiteside average 12.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. He played for the Miami Heat, the Utah Jazz, the Portland Trail Blazers and the Sacramento Kings. Despite stuffing the stat sheets throughout his NBA career, the results often didn't align with actual on-court value for his team.

He spent the 2023 season in Puerto Rico, playing alongside another former NBAer, Brandon Knight. Whiteside played 37 games there, and did his thing, averaging 22.2 points, 13.5 boards and 2.6 blocks.

The 7-footer made over $107 million in his hoops career. All the best in retirement to Hassan Whiteside.

Photo: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports