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3 Miami Heat players perfect for Team USA Basketball

By Brandon Johnson

MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 9: Josh Richardson #0, Hassan Whiteside #21, and Justice Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 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 9: Josh Richardson #0, Hassan Whiteside #21, and Justice Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 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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The Miami Heat’s Justise Winslow walks back to the bench bleeding over his left eye after being hit in the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 of the first-round NBA Playoff series at the AmericaneAirlines Arena in Miami on Saturday, April 21, 2018. (Pedro Portal/El Nuevo Herald/TNS via Getty Images)
The Miami Heat’s Justise Winslow walks back to the bench bleeding over his left eye after being hit in the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 of the first-round NBA Playoff series at the AmericaneAirlines Arena in Miami on Saturday, April 21, 2018. (Pedro Portal/El Nuevo Herald/TNS via Getty Images) /

Justise Winslow

Among potential Heat players, Justise Winslow is only a few years removed from his eligibility for Team USA’s under-19 bunch.

But entering his fourth season in the NBA, getting the jump on his international career would be a mutually beneficial partnership.

Two years ago, Winlsow, then 20, would have been an apt selection, having an obvious connection to then-head coach Mike Krzyzewski. Now, his only confidant would be Craig, but Winslow would still find his role.

Despite what much of the roster looks like, not every member has found individual accolades.

Members like Booker and Middleton have yet to hit their stride in All-Star game appearances or All-NBA teams. Instead, their inclusion in the roster trends towards what will be for coming Olympics.

Booker, Middleton, and the rest of Team USA’s under-25 collective are often heralded as the un-tradeables on their respective NBA teams. Building blocks for the future, Team USA is a training ground to measure how well they handle the international spotlight.

Winslow is similarly in that so-called un-tradeable category, with Riley recently indicating he’ll be on Miami’s roster for the long run.

Giving Winslow the chance to perform alongside some of the NBA’s best at such an early stage in his career would be a perfect proving ground for him. Winslow is often considered to have the tools to be successful in this league, though unfortunately bouts with injury have stunted his gains.

Suiting up next to a bevy of All-Stars and future Hall of Famers could certainly be the deciding factor in how Winslow’s career manifests moving forward.

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