Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Former NBA big man Hassan Whiteside took to Instagram to mourn the death of his 23-year-old brother, who passed away in late March.
Whiteside, in what he called a letter to his brother, shared memories of taking care of his brother when he was younger to how the two would play video games when they were older.
The retired big man also remembered stories of his mother working long shifts for him and his family to help raise him and his brother. The memories he recalled show just how special the relationship was between him and his brother.
It was a touching post from the former Miami Heat star, and it’s sad to see him have to deal with losing a loved one so young.
“From carrying you as a baby to carrying your ashes in a cold vase,” Whiteside wrote in part. “The pain was unbearable. That’s when my reality set in. I tried my best to always protect you for the 23 years you were here. I would give anything to have that one-on-one game with you. People ask me if I’m okay. I will never be okay. I just have to stay strong for Mom and the rest of the family. And we will get that game, Lil bro, in the next life. I love you King.”
Several NBA figures, including Wayne Ellington, Udonis Haslem, Isaiah Thomas and Matt Barnes, showed their support for Whiteside on Instagram.
Gabrielle Union – the wife of former Heat star Dwyane Wade – also offered her condolences.
Hopefully, Whiteside is able to be around family and loved ones as he goes through this tough time. The 34-year-old clearly had a special relationship with his brother, and hopefully, he can continue to carry on his legacy as he goes on in life.
A two-time block champ and former All-Defensive selection, Whiteside last played in the NBA in the 2021-22 season for the Utah Jazz. He had the best years of his career in Miami, but the former second-round pick also played for the Sacramento Kings and Portland Trail Blazers during his time in the NBA.
Earlier this year, Whiteside retired from basketball, ending an impressive career for a player that was taken 33rd overall in the 2010 NBA Draft.
He finished his NBA career averaging 12.6 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game while shooting 58.6 percent from the field.
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