Player exit review: Justise Winslow’s season derailed by injury, inconsistency

Dec 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. The Magic defeated the Heat in a double overtime 136-130. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Orlando Magic at American Airlines Arena. The Magic defeated the Heat in a double overtime 136-130. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 22, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) is pressured by Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) is pressured by Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Interesting Stat: 19.8

Across the board, Winslow’s numbers this year were far from spectacular.

He struggled to find his offensive rhythm and was his usual stout self on defense.

Upon further examining the analytics, only one statistic stood out from the rest.

In just 18 games, Winslow recorded the highest usage percentage of his career by far, with a rating of 19.8.

That’s 7.3 points higher than his previous rating of 12.5 and provides a clear explanation as to why he shot such low percentages from the field this season.

The only problem is, it will only increase with time, and it’s very unclear at this point just how well his game will translate following major surgery.

If the Heat plan to return to a state of relevancy any time soon, they’ll need Winslow to step up, and in several instances, he’s proven he is beyond capable.

Time will only tell.