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Miami Heat: Justise Winslow’s improvement is coming at the perfect time

MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 30: Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 30, 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 - NOVEMBER 30: Justise Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat handles the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 30, 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 Heat fans can now breathe a sigh of relief, as Justise Winslow is finally showing signs of growth.

Unfortunately, the 2018-19 season narrative for the Miami Heat remains much the same.

After a slow start to the year, the team is still struggling to find their footing, with inconsistency marking the only constant factor for them so far.

At 11-15, the Heat now sit ninth in the Eastern Conference; half a game back from the eighth spot Orlando Magic and two from the No. 7 Charlotte Hornets.

In other words, at least on paper, Miami can currently best be described as mediocre at best.

While some fans are ready to hop aboard the tank train and others are keeping the faith that there’s a turnaround on the horizon, both parties have to agree on one thing: despite the season’s frustrations, there are still some positives to take note of.

The most recent being Justise Winslow’s newfound success.

After averaging 7.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists a game in 24.7 minutes of play last year, the former Duke Blue Devil is now averaging 11.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest, in 28.8 minutes.

And for the month of December specifically, these numbers climb to 18.4 points, 6.2 rebounds and 4.0 assists.

It hasn’t just been Heat Nation that has taken notice of the 22-year-old’s recent growth either; the league has also been keeping a close eye on Winslow, putting him in the conversation for being named the NBA’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

Over the last three matchups specifically, the swingman has averaged 23.0 points, 7.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists, in 36.0 minutes, with his best game coming against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night.

The swingman totaled 28 points on 11-for-20 shooting from the field (including going 6-of-10 from downtown) versus LeBron James and company, alongside seven rebounds, two assists and one steal.

Now obviously, Winslow has always been an asset to this Miami team. Between his high defensive IQ and his eagerness to learn from veteran’s like Dwyane Wade, the organization definitely found itself a winner in the No. 10 overall pick.

However, what fans have been worried about is his shooting, something that Winslow had continuously had a tough time with, since entering the Association.

But now? Now that seems to be a thing of the past.

That’s not to say that he will continue to put up 20-something points on a nightly basis. Or that he should be the Heat’s go-to offensive option. But it’s clear that Winslow’s confidence is back, which a lot of the time can be half the battle.

So until the team figures out the rest of their woes, at least fans can hold onto the fact that No. 20 is finally developing into the player everyone has always hoped he could be.

And here’s to a thriving Winslow, being the first step in the Miami Heat’s comeback story.

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