Whiteside: Playoffs emphasize importance of centers

Hassan Whiteside hasn't been shy about tooting his own horn over the last couple of years, but the pending free agent's latest proclamation represents all of his fellow big men.

While the age of small-ball and floor-spacing bigs is upon us, more traditional centers like Bismack Biyombo and Steven Adams have played key roles in their teams' recent runs to finals contention, with Whiteside himself engaged in a marquee matchup with Jonas Valanciunas during the Eastern Conference semifinals until both went down with injuries.

The game will continue to evolve, as it has through various generations, but size will always have a place on the court.