Redrafting the fifth pick from the 2015 NBA Draft
By S.W. Guest
Justise Winslow
Of all the players Orlando could have drafted, Justise Winslow may have been the best fit with the team’s new philosophy. Largely because he is a terrific defender.
During his rookie year, he logged a defensive win shares of 2.7, earning the admiration of teammate at the time Dwyane Wade, who told Bleacher Report:
"“I can’t imagine what that would have been like for me—guarding Kobe [Bryant] and [Allen] Iverson at 19. I wasn’t ready. I just know when he’s on the floor, we’re a lot better defensive team.”"
At 6-foot-7, 225 pounds Winslow can, much like Aaron Gordon, guard multiple positions, which would undoubtedly have made him very popular with Frank Vogel, not to mention a good fit with the Magic’s young core.
Interestingly enough, his offense has improved in his sophomore year too. He has gone from 6.4 points per game in 28.6 minutes per game in 2016 to 11.5 points per game in 35.4 minutes per game this season.
Winslow is far from a great shooter, but he is already proving himself capable of contributing on a Miami Heat team that is heavily embroiled in a rebuild of its own. For instance, last Thursday he put in a career-best performance, logging 23 points, 13 rebounds and four steals in a win over the Los Angeles Lakers that proved he has the potential to be a threat on both ends of the floor.
Even if he needs time the Magic would not be willing to give him, Winslow’s potential as a two-way player gives him an edge over Hezonja, whose defence to date has left a lot to desire. This one might very well be a player the Magic regre passing over.