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NBA Top-10 Rookie Rankings: Has Mario Hezonja Moved Up?

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) reacts after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during overtime at Philips Arena. The Magic won 117-110 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) reacts after scoring against the Atlanta Hawks during overtime at Philips Arena. The Magic won 117-110 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Justise Winslow, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets
Feb 5, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) drives to the basket as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) during the first half of the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Justise Winslow

Last Ranked: 6

Justise Winslow has received an even bigger role with the Miami Heat, and he is one of the few rookies contributing to a playoff-bound team.

Winslow has seen 32.5 minutes per game in the Heat’s last 10 games. Over that span, he is averaging 7.3 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game.

But numbers really do not do Winslow the homage he deserves. His defensive efforts are strong enough to warrant an All-NBA Defensive Team nod, likely sooner rather than later.

Winslow scored in double figures in just one of Miami’s last five contests, but he did have double-digit rebounds twice. Eventually, Winslow will take on a scoring role much like Avery Bradley has done in Boston. The talent is there, and certainly he can finish at the rim.

It is just a matter of taking on a bigger role because he is not going to put up huge numbers without more field goal attempts (just 5.3 per game on the season).

Winslow will be a lot like Tony Allen, Andre Iguodala and Bradley — his defense will always overshadow the offensive skills.

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