Grading the Miami Heat a quarter through the season

Justise Winslow

Season numbers:  11.6 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 4.0 APG, 33.6 FG%, 22.2 3P%, 35.9 MPG, 9 GP

Unfortunately, the ambitions that both Winslow and the Heat had for the second-year forward have not come to fruition thus far. Winslow has played in just nine games before succumbing to an elbow injury.

During the time he was on the court, Winslow was unable to fulfill the preseason predictions that his jump shot had improved significantly following a summer of hard work. In fact, his shooting regressed significantly, as can be seen by the numbers above.

How much his elbow injury had to do with this is hard to equate. But the fact that he has now missed the past 12 games, and the upcoming three-game road trip, indicates it must have at least a partial hindrance.

Winslow’s effort and performance on the defensive end was still at the excellent we saw in his rookie campaign. And also, his ball-handling and playmaking ability was very evident in the  short stretch in which he played.

The fact that Winslow will be missing further games is certainly a concern. However, his long-term progress must take priority over potentially winning a couple of games in December. Given the expectations of both fans and the team alike, it’s hard to sometimes forget that Winslow is still just 20 years-old.

Grade: C-