The recent controversial remarks made by the Miami Heat’s Justise Winslow about playing point guard caused some concern because of the existing presence of veteran Goran Dragic, who has served in that role in the past.
In an attempt to eliminate the situation as a topic of discussion, head coach Erik Spoelstra indicated that both players will see time in that spot because of what he called the Heat’s “positionless” style of play.
Spoelstra on all of the point guard discussion regarding Dragic and Winslow: "We play a positionless style of basketball. This is the league, so catch up."
— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) September 30, 2019
Spo on point-Justise: “he really truly needs to be a two way basketball player for us.” He won’t call him a point guard. Says the team is positionless and Justise will have the ball in his hands a lot, but added, “you better believe Goran will too.” And other players, as well.
— Will Manso (@WillMansoWPLG) September 30, 2019
Winslow saw plenty of time at point guard last season because of Dragic’s two-month absence while recovering from knee surgery. Winslow played in 66 games and averaged 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game at multiple positions, while Dragic was limited to 36 contests and averaged 13.7 points, 4.8 assists and 3.1 rebounds per game at the point.
The fact that the 33-year-old Dragic is beginning the final year of his contract with the Heat would appear to indicate that Winslow, who’s a full decade younger, would be the heir apparent. However, for the upcoming season, Dragic may be more of a fixture if he appears to be fully recovered from last season’s health issues.
One possible factor in Winslow’s favor is that trade speculation involving Dragic has frequently surfaced, with his expiring deal something that might interest a team looking to shed salary after the 2019-20 campaign. Yet Winslow could end up being part of a possible deal involving Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal.
For the immediate future, the Heat are likely content to have depth at point guard. The possible addition of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Chris Paul would obviously change the conversation, but Spoelstra is simply focused on preparing for the year ahead.
