Miami Heat RTD: What We Are Excited For This Season

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Justise Winslow (Duke) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number ten overall pick to the Miami Heat in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome back to another Miami Heat Round Table Discussion. On today’s agenda, we talk about what we are excited for for the upcoming season!

A Rookie Who Matters: Justise Winslow

By Wes Goldberg (@wcgoldberg)

Not since 2008 have Miami Heat fans had the privilege of watching a rookie who really, truly mattered to the team’s success, let alone a lottery pick. Not since 2003 have Heat fans watched a first round who even just panned out. With Justise Winlsow, the 10th pick in this last NBA draft, Heat fans will have an opportunity to see potential at its beginning stages.

Winslow, who was projected to be taken much higher, could be the steal of the draft. His playmaking ability, speed, athleticism and defensive prowess have Heat fans excited for what he could add to Miami’s already deep roster.

The former Duke guard won’t start, but he’ll have an opportunity to play behind both Dwyane Wade and Luol Deng as a swingman. He is good enough defensively to guard opposing small forwards, and skilled enough with the ball in his hands to play in the backcourt.

But beyond what Winslow can do right now, the real intrigue comes when he flashes potential greatness. Winslow has all the tools to become an All-Star level player in the NBA. There will be games where he balls out for 20-plus points, games where he dishes out some highlight assists, and opponents he will lock down on defense. When that happens, Heat fans will be giddy with anticipation of what Winslow can become, and day dream of a future squad built around Winslow and Hassan Whiteside.

Next: The Return of Chris Bosh