Whiteside to Spoelstra after practicing 3s: 'I'm 9-for-11, just so you know'

Though Hassan Whiteside is known for his prowess inside the paint, he apparently has some range, too.

Following the Miami Heat's practice Monday, the 7-footer stuck around and shot some 3-pointers. He was 9-for-11 from beyond the arc, and made sure to rub that in to head coach Erik Spoelstra.

"I'm 9-for-11, just so you know," Whiteside told his bench boss, according to Anthony Chiang from the Palm Beach Post.

While he doesn't plan to rely heavily on his outside shooting, the 27-year-old center could use it on the odd occasion when the team needs it.

"You never know where you need a 3-pointer from," he said, according to Manny Navarro from the Miami Herald.

The big man was challenged by his coach to shoulder more responsibility on the squad in light of his new deal, but also with its former leader, Dwyane Wade, departing to Chicago and Chris Bosh being ruled out for medical reasons.

So, Whiteside, who inked a four-year, $98-million deal this summer, has been working to become a more well-rounded player. Two areas he's addressed are face-up jumpers and decision-making with the ball in his hands.

Overall, though, expect him to continue operating primarily in the low post.

"I like to dunk on you more," he told reporters. "I'm not really a 3-point shooter. I like to meet you at the rim."

Whiteside has yet to attempt a three in an NBA game. He scores at a 76 percent rate within two feet from the basket, and averaged 14.2 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.7 blocks last season.

The Heat will open up their preseason Tuesday versus the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center.