Hassan Whiteside Comments on Foul vs. Celtics, Says Marcus Smart 'Flops'

Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside scored 13 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and recorded eight blocks on Saturday in a 101-89 loss to the Boston Celtics.

While the defeat bothered him, so did a foul called on him late in the game where Boston's Marcus Smart appeared to flop during a three-pointer, prompting a post-game response from Whiteside, per Jason Lieser of the Palm Beach Post.

"

Smart got away with some good flops at the end. There’s plenty of film that shows that’s what he do. He got away with some good flops and then it kinda went in their direction.

Come on, man. I didn’t even touch him. You could look at countless film. That’s what he do. He flops. I don’t care if y’all go tell him. He flops. That’s what he do.

"

Smart nailed all three free-throw attempts for a 93-84 Boston lead with 2:45 left in the game. The second-year player, who scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds in the victory, has been known for flopping since his days with the Oklahoma State Cowboys.

On Wednesday, he addressed his reputation and wasn't worried about the flops one bit, per Chris Forsberg of ESPN.com.

"

Not at all. I’m gonna play my game and play hard every day. That’s something the coach and this organization doesn’t have to worry about. I feel like the rest of my teammates are gonna pick it up also. I’m not worried about all the other stuff that comes with it. I just play my game.

"

Jay King of MassLive.com made an interesting observation during the game, perhaps insinuating referees are noticing the flops and making calls on the other end:

Smart's perceived flopping is a well-known topic throughout the NBA, but Whiteside's comments have brought it to light perhaps more than ever. If referees are indeed starting to call fouls on the other end, Smart may change up his defense. However, according to Smart's own words, and the foul call on Whiteside, it doesn't seem like that will be happening any time soon.