Whiteside rejects DeAndre comp: 'I do a lot. He just catches lobs'

Most bigs in the league would welcome a comparison to DeAndre Jordan, who took home First Team All-NBA center honors last season.

Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside, however, dismissed any likeness to Jordan when asked about Friday's opponent.

“No (we're not similar),” Whiteside told Walter Villa of the Miami Herald. "(Jordan) catches lobs. I shoot jumpers, catch lobs, block shots. I do a lot. He just catches lobs."

To Whiteside's point, he is asked to do more for the Heat than Jordan is for the Los Angeles Clippers. Whiteside is a featured player in the Heat's anemic offense, whereas Jordan plays a vital role, but is ultimately limited to being a rim runner in the Clippers' high-powered attack.

That being said, role specificity isn't necessarily a knock against Jordan. When he thunders down the lane, Jordan creates open shots for his teammates by sucking in the defense. His role might be narrow, but Jordan's teams are extremely successful - especially on offense.

The Clippers have ranked within the top eight in offensive efficiency for six straight seasons with Jordan in the lineup. That run extends beyond Chris Paul's presence and includes prolonged stretches with Blake Griffin out of the lineup.

As for Whiteside, while he might have more offensive talents, his Heat haven't come close to sniffing the top 10 in offense. In three seasons with Whiteside, Miami's offense has ranked 21st, 14th, and now 24th in offensive efficiency.