MIAMI _ Now it's up to what they do and not what they've said. Because based on their words, an argument could be made that Eastern Conference coaches already have cast their All-Star ballots for Hassan Whiteside.
With the All-Star starters now in place through a combination of fan, media and player balloting, it leaves it up to the conference coaches to fill out each roster with seven reserves.
For Whiteside, it puts his fate in the hands of the 14 Eastern Conference coaches other than Erik Spoelstra, with coaches not allowed to vote for players from their own rosters.
For months now, those opposing Eastern Conference coaches have lauded the uniqueness of the Miami Heat shot-blocking center.
But this weekend is when they have to put pen to paper, to fill out an East roster that will start Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler, Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan and Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving.
If this were a movie advertisement, the critics would be raving about Whiteside, considering what we've already heard from Eastern Conference coaches this season.
Detroit Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy, "Hassan Whiteside right now is playing as well as any big man in the league. His numbers are mind-boggling."
Raptors coach Dwane Casey, "He's taking it to another level. The young man is a great example of what you can do when maturity sets in, work ethic sets in."
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg, "Whiteside is obviously a load down there. He is the best shot-blocker in our league."
Charlotte Hornets coach Steve Clifford, "He's the strength of their defense."
Indiana Pacers coach Nate McMillan, "Whiteside basically just dominated the paint, with offensive rebounds and his scoring and his put-backs. We really just didn't have an answer for his paint presence."
Bucks coach Jason Kidd, "He did a really good job of controlling the paint, protecting the rim."
That's what they say on game nights. But the moment of truth will come Thursday when the East All-Star reserves are named for the Feb. 19 All-Star Game in New Orleans.
From this perspective, Whiteside, even with his league-leading rebounding average, figures to have the dream deferred.
Coaches will be asked to select at least three frontcourt players, two guards and then two players at any position.
Considering how dominant the guard play has been in the East this season, that could have four of the seven remaining East All-Star berths going to guards, when counting the Boston Celtics' Isaiah Thomas, the Washington Wizards' John Wall, the Raptors' Kyle Lowry and the Hornets' Kemba Walker.
That would leave the three mandatory frontcourt spots, with Cleveland forward Kevin Love seemingly a lock with his double-double average for the most dominant team in the conference.
That takes the count down to two remaining East berths.
With the Pacers and Atlanta Hawks both holding winning records, it could be as simple as selecting Paul George from the Pacers and Paul Millsap from the Hawks, effectively covering every East team at .500 or better. Even Spoelstra has said winning is a key criterion when making his own selections.
With Thomas, Wall, Lowry and Love virtual locks as East reserves, Whiteside most likely will be measured against the candidacies of Walker, George and Millsap, possibly as well as Pistons center Andre Drummond, New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and perhaps, ironically, Bulls guard Dwyane Wade.
At the moment, based on the Heat's place in the standings, it would appear a longshot for Whiteside. Unless, of course, Eastern Conference coaches put their Whiteside words into action.
