At this point, it might be time for Miami Heat fans to give up on Justise Winslow‘s shooting.
When it comes to Miami Heat fourth-year Justise Winslow’s shooting, there honestly can’t be any more excuses.
That may be harsh, but it’s true, especially when Miami is in a make it or break it position.
As much optimism as has poured in with the young core’s development and Hassan Whiteside 2.0’s resurgence, these holes in Winslow’s game are diminishing his value and overall production.
Will he turn over a new leaf? Of course, he is way too talented and athletic not do. But, will that work in Miami’s favor? Probably not, because one thing that is affecting his game is his awful shooting, or therefore lack of.
To give him the benefit of the doubt, all this speculation is in light of his preseason performance, since he hasn’t yet made his regular season debut. But that could come as soon as this weekend, when they take on the Portland Trailblazers in Miami.
He is currently listed as day-to-day, with a hamstring injury.
Justise Winslow says there was no setback with hamstring, just 'being cautious' https://t.co/gko3d6DKLQ … Absence Wednesday took Heat teammates by surprise.
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) October 25, 2018
The real reason for this harsh and long due criticism, is the expectations set on the former No. 10 overall pick from Duke.
He has to take on a bigger role and define his place within the unit. Bam Adebayo, Josh Richardson and Winslow are set to be Miami’s future, so they need to embrace that. Both Adebayo and Richardson are already setting the tone, but Winslow is still sitting in the dust.
Out of six preseason games, he only played four, with mixed reactions to his overall performance.
The only breakthrough game was against the Washington Wizards, when he went 4-of-7 shooting for 17 points; h excelled from the free throw line, going 7-of-8.
Besides that though, he has carried over his subpar shooting from last season.
He went 4-of-9 shooting against the Orlando Magic early on, after an abysmal 1-of-8 showing during the team’s preseason debut against the San Antonio Spurs. He followed that with a seven-point performance on 3-of-8 shooting against the Charlotte Hornets too.
So you can basically say his inconsistency is going strong.
How can he change that?
Well for starters, this new rotation with Rodney McGruder and Derrick Jones Jr. in the starting lineup is going to affect his position.
Let’s just say however, that he does reclaim his starting position; what can he do to assist his production?
He needs to take a page out of Richardson’s book and become a fellow aggressor as well.
He showed us how he can take control as a point guard; an impressive new skill he achieved last season.
Now, he just needs to include it when he runs the pace in transition plays. He needs to integrate that with pick and rolls, to free up shooters on the wings. Therefore, that will eventually lead to him becoming one of those shooters, once they start moving the ball more.
It all comes with time, but he needs to take advantage now more than ever.
With his debut on the horizon, I think he can make that adjustment, especially after seeing McGruder and Richardson’s fast start.
But his chance is eventually going to run out, and if he misses more time and comes back with similar consistency woes, he will probably find himself slipping out of the rotation permanently.
Fingers crossed that’s not the case.