Miami Heat’s Justise Winslow talks his favorite NBA point guard and more
Miami Heat’s Justise Winslow recently spoke about his favorite NBA point guard, rehabbing his injury, the road ahead and more.
Many of you may have more in common with Justise Winslow than you think.
For instance, did you know the Miami Heat forward’s favorite NBA point guard is Goran Dragic?
(Same.)
The 21-year-old spent some time answering questions at his basketball clinic on Saturday, where 50 fifth and sixth graders who earned special invitations, spent the day hooping at the AmericanAirlines Arena.
The likes of which included “when you play Mario Kart who do you play with?” (Luigi) and “what’s the most points you’ve scored in a game?” (43).
Winslow also revealed James Worthy is his favorite player of all time, and he finds guys like Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant and Gordon Hayward to be his toughest matchups.
However, the third-year also touched upon his role moving forward.
"“[Head coach Erik Spoelstra] hasn’t talked to anyone really about Rodney [McGruder] or who is going to start. But my prediction is I’ll probably be in the second unit just to start the season Speaking for myself, I’m not really where I want to be as far as the rhythm and the flow. I think that’s the big deal for me – to be able to have the ball and make plays for other people, especially at the beginning of the season. Once I get into a better flow, we’ll go from there.”"
In preseason play, Winslow averaged 6.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists a game, in 24.3 minutes. Not too shabby for a guy coming off an injury, but certainly not quite where the team hoped he would be by now.
"“For now, I’m just going to go out there give my teammates what I can defensively with energy, just try to get back to that wild, rookie year kid who is making plays defensively, offensively and just making a difference in the game.”"
And he’s well on his way. In Friday night’s contest against the Philadelphia 76ers, he finished with 10 points (on 4-of-8 shooting from the field), 7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal. Definitely seeming to have more pep in his step.
There’s still work to be done, sure. Much of which stems from still having to rehab from a torn labrum. But having already shed somewhere between 12-15 pounds, it’s obvious the Houston-native is serious about making a comeback.
Next: Miami Heat: 4 crunch time lineups for the 2017-18 season
While Justise Winslow may still be a work in progress, his preseason performance proves he’s already on the right track. And lucky for him, his favorite NBA point guard is right beside him for support.