Hassan Whiteside optimistic about Miami Heat future

Hassan Whiteside has claimed that the future is bright for the Miami Heat following a disappointing season.

The center's breakthrough was one of the rare positives for the Heat, who followed four straight NBA Finals appearances by losing LeBron James to the Cleveland Cavaliers and missing out on the playoffs.

Uncertainty remains surrounding the futures of Luol Deng, Dwyane Wade and Goran Dragic, who can all opt out of their deals to become free agents next month, but Whiteside is confident that Miami president Pat Riley will build a roster capable of competing.

"I just believe in Pat Riley," he told the Sun Sentinel. "I believe he's going to make the right decision and my teammates, they're going to make the decisions that's best for them. So that's what I really believe.

"You want to have a Heat jersey next year. That's all I'm going to say."

Miami have the 10th pick in this year's Draft, which takes place next Thursday.