Miami Heat: Goran Dragic’s return may create issues with Justise Winslow

The season has been full of lineup changes as the Miami Heat try to find what works best. Some of the changes have been due to strategy and others have been forced by injuries.

One of the most intriguing changes has been from the latter. The Miami Heat’s Justise Winslow had to take over the point guard position when Goran Dragic went down with a knee injury that required surgery.

Dragic came to Miami in 2015 as part of a three-team trade. Ever since it’s been his offense to run. He has started every game he’s ever played for Miami in the last four seasons.

Now, it’s no longer a foregone conclusion that he will continue to start once he returns.

Winslow has stepped into his newfound role and ever since the Heat announced that Dragic would be out for an extended period of time on Dec. 19th, he’s produced some of the best numbers of his career.

Emerging into “point winslow,” he’s averaged almost 15 PPG and 5 AST’s since taking over. He continues to get it done in different aspects that Dragic might not be able to. With four double-doubles in that same time span, his rebounds have also grown simultaneously with his facilitating.

The size of Winslow creates a mismatch that the Heat have found success with. When your point guard grabs 11 rebounds like Winslow did last time out, your team carries a different look than those around the NBA.

Dragic, on the other hand, creates a different look due to his pace.

Set to return soon, Dragic practiced Wednesday and is considered available for Miami’s game at Philadelphia Thursday night. Though it’s unlikely that he will play, as Erik Spoelstra will be sure to be cautious with him, its news that the Heat need.

The question becomes, do you ride the hot hand of Winslow who’s playing the best basketball of his career? Or, do you give the keys back to the man who’s been driving the offense since 2015?

Winslow gives you the size that other teams can’t guard, and Dragic gives you the speed and phenomenal vision that traditionally fits the position better. Yet, Spoelstra says he’s committed to the idea of positionless basketball.

More or less, this decision will likely come down to who’s sharing the court at that time. Dragic and Dion Waiters were an impressive duo in the second half of 2016-17. With Waiters back in the starting line-up, do you see what they can do again?

Winslow and Dwyane Wade also mesh together well. Does that lead to him coming off the bench eventually to continue to learn behind one of the greats?

A decision will have to be made. For now, the position will likely remain Winslow’s while Dragic tries to return to game speed. With only 26-games left in the regular season, things could get even more interesting if the Heat are in the midst of a playoff push.