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Miami Heat: Rook 1 and Rook 2 getting more confident in their games

By Allana Tachauer

MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 5: Josh Richardson #0 and Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat look on during the game against the Orlando Magic February 5, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 5: Josh Richardson #0 and Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat look on during the game against the Orlando Magic February 5, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Miami Heat’s Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson made their marks this season.

In 2015, the Miami Heat drafted Justise Winslow and Josh Richardson. Two players who soon after, were thereby known as Rook 1 and Rook 2.

While both were defensive powerhouses in college, the two came aboard with predominantly different backgrounds.

Winslow, a 2014 McDonald’s All-American, spent just one year at Duke University before declaring for the NBA Draft. He averaged 14.3 points and 9.3 rebounds during the NCAA Tournament that year, eventually helping his team win the national title.

The forward was selected by the Heat at No. 10 overall and made his professional debut off the bench on October 28, 2015 against the Charlotte Hornets.

Richardson on the other hand, completed all four years at the University of Tennessee. Having appeared in 136 career games, he averaged 16.0 points and 4.5 rebounds as a senior and ranked third in school history in games played, ninth in minutes, ninth in starts and tenth in steals.

He was selected No. 40 overall, and although Richardson saw no time in the first four games of the season, he started in place of Dwyane Wade in just his third ever professional contest.

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Despite their different trajectories to the league, Winslow and Richardson both had to overcome some hurdles. While Winslow was sidelined the majority of his second year with first a wrist injury and then a torn shoulder, Richardson was briefly sent to the Developmental League his first season, then was sidelined for two months due to a knee problem the next year.

Nevermind the amount of criticism they both faced; Winslow was often labeled a bust, with Richardson’s shooting constantly being called into question.

Still, it was apparent that Rook 1 and Rook 2 had something special, and could become the future of the franchise with just a little more fine-tuning. Which is exactly what is currently happening. Fast forward to year three and it’s clear the youth movement is working. What’s better? Winslow and Richardson both know it too.

"“I’m capable of being a great player in this league and I think I showed flashes,” Richardson said recently. “I think I just have to do it consistently.”"

And the confidence didn’t stop there.

"“I’ve always kind of been not a gambling defensive player, but very aggressive. And I kind of pride myself on being a step ahead of the offense at times. I think the coaching staff has done a good job of letting me make mistakes at times. More likely than not, I’ll make the right decision, though.”"

As for Winslow, he showed an entirely new side to himself, during the first round playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Defensively, he was much more aggressive, something that fans loved to see. He also stepped on Joel Embiid‘s mask, a move that earned him a $15,000 fine.

"“I can be the bad guy if that means winning,” said Winslow. “…I’m a physical defender. I don’t like the ticky-tack fouls. I like getting into the ball and just being a beast on the ball defensively.”"

Although this offseason is sure to be a busy one for Miami, it’s a safe bet that both these guys are sticking around. Having made enormous strides in 2017-18 and with age on their side, Heat Nation should expect big things from them, moving forward.

Next: Four things the Miami Heat can get Goran Dragic for his birthday

Miami Heat’s Rook 1 and Rook 2 forever.

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