2. Justise Winslow
When Winslow was selected by the Heat, the immediate thought was that the Duke product would take over the starting small forward spot.
This was days before Deng exercised his opt-in clause for the 2015-16 season, when many expected him to opt out. Barring something unexpected, it’s safe to assume Deng should remain in the starting lineup while Winslow plays the sixth-man role off the bench.
Riley had nothing but positive things to say about Winslow’s maturity:
“Coach Spoelstra talked about this a minute ago and we call it it. It can’t be defined. You don’t see it and I think it’s an intrinsic, inner quality that players have. That is something that helps self-motivate them. I don’t know Justise, I just met him and talked to him the other night, but I think that’s what we’re talking about, that it quality, that intrinsic motivation, that desire, that grit, to go and do whatever he has to do to win and I think that’s what’s compelling.”
While Winslow’s maturity is a positive trait for a 19-year-old kid fresh out of college, it’s his versatility that will land him a spot in the Heat’s rotation. He has the ability to guard every position on the court with the exception of centers and excels in a fastbreak offense.
Though Stoudemire and Green are the proven veterans, it will be Winslow who will be counted upon to contribute the most out all of the bench players.
When it comes to defending top-flight players such as James and Derrick Rose in the Eastern Conference, Winslow will be expected to guard those elite players.
Next: Gerald Green
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