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Miami Heat Roundtable: What does Justise Winslow’s future look like?

By Allana Tachauer

WASHINGTON, D.C. - OCTOBER 5: Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat looks on during a pre-season game against Washington Wizards on October 5, 2018 at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - OCTOBER 5: Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat looks on during a pre-season game against Washington Wizards on October 5, 2018 at Capital One Arena, in Washington, D.C. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 08: Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic during the second half at American Airlines Arena on October 8, 2018 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 08: Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat drives to the basket against Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic during the second half at American Airlines Arena on October 8, 2018 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. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Ok, but do you like Winslow as a backup guard for Goran Dragic?

Ebrahim: I do, but not for a good reason. Right now, to me, if we’re talking about a backup ball-handler that can play long durations of the game or even play alongside Goran Dragic on the floor, it narrows down to Winslow and Tyler Johnson. Obviously, Dwyane Wade would be included on that list, but that’s where the caveat of ‘can play long durations of the game’ comes into play. Looking at Winslow vs. Johnson, it’s the lesser of two evils to have Winslow be the ‘backup.’ I love the way that Johnson plays off-ball and his backdoor cuts are, more often than not, things of beauty. His two-man game with James Johnson is also a delight to watch, but he hasn’t been able to develop that level of trust and chemistry with the rest of his team. For that reason, I have to imagine that Winslow will be the backup guard, with Wade spelling him for certain bursts throughout the game, similar to the role he played in Cleveland before Isaiah Thomas came back from injury.

Leniart: I do. The Heat have a few players that can fill that role, but Winslow is one of their better options. He certainly has room to grow when it comes to shooting and distributing the ball, but his ability to defend is not a common trait amongst NBA point guards. That coupled with his size and ability to switch on most opposing players, makes him an excellent option to back up Dragic.

Eyrich: Their games are different enough that it may be tough for them to mesh sometimes. I don’t mind seeing Winslow start at the three though; he ends up guarding some of the stronger guys and is able to shut them down.

Johnson: If it keeps working, why not? The Heat haven’t had huge success with Johnson as a backup, instead favoring Winslow or James Johnson. Miami has some solid scoring options in Kelly Olynyk, Rodney McGruder, Wayne Ellington, among others. Winslow’s stature is attuned to drive and kicks. Assuming he becomes more of a threat at the rim, he should have some great kickout opportunities with his current teammates.

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