Miami Heat: What changes when Justise Winslow returns?

Down Shifting

While Jones is being pushed out of position in Winslow’s absence, the Miami Heat have experienced some change for the better.

Now that Jones slots in the front court and Richardson plays small forward, McGruder has still been free to start as Miami’s primary shooting guard.

And it’s been working.

A 6-foot-4 guard, McGruder is an exceptionally smart player given his output. Despite his smaller stature, he finds ways to nab boards amongst the treetops.

Now that he is not resigned to playing small forward (as he was in 2016-17 when Waiters started) and is matched up with similarly sized players, he can take over where his opponents (John Wall, Kemba Walker etc.) won’t.

McGruder can stride into the paint to bolster Miami’s rebounding numbers and then initiate Miami’s offense, in a way that’s not possible off a Whiteside, Olynyk or Adebayo board.

Though Winslow might not return to the starting lineup upon return, his positional flexibility, along with McGruder’s near non-existent shot at playing point, could subject McGruder’s current role to change.

Against taller lineups, like the 76ers, Winslow is certainly favored, until a pesky guard like JJ Redick or TJ McConnell arrives.

But if Spoelstra wants to get particularly creative, Miami could indulge Winslow at center, as he played at times during the regular season and playoffs.

Small ball is the way of the future, even if only in limited spurts, so having a McGruder-Winslow based lineup could prove defensively lethal in bursts. Winslow and McGruder avoided each other in every lineup last season, but their complementary defensive profiles could create a fresh look in South Beach.

Until Winslow returns, however, none of these potentially win-streak inspiring options can be unlocked. His return is closer with every passing day, but each Miami loss makes his absence more apparent.

Hopefully Winslow is back sooner than later.