2015 NBA Draft Profile: Justise Winslow

Photo: USA TODAY Sports

By: Trevor Keyes

6-6, 222 lbs.
Hometown: Houston, TX
School: Duke
Year: Freshman

Comparison: Jimmy Butler

STRENGTHS: Justise Winslow came in to Duke alongside fellow top ten recruits Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones, so no one really knew what to expect from him in his freshman year. But every time Winslow hit the floor in 2015, his game continued to improve. The 6-6 guard was a huge reason why Duke captured its fifth NCAA title.

Yes, everybody will remember Jahlil Okafor’s and Tyus Jones’ impact on that team, but Winslow may have been the Blue Devils’ most important player. If Okafor and Jones were struggling, Winslow picked up the slack. His motor and intensity were huge keys in the Blue Devils’ NCAA run, and he’s shown scouts that his hustle, rebounding ability and work ethic can be skills for him at the next level.

For the season, Winslow averaged 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 steals, and about a block per game.

His best attribute may be his high motor, and tremendous capability as both an on-and off-ball defender. Given that and his size, he may the most NBA ready player in this entire draft.  He also shot the ball fairly well, as he averaged 48.6% from the field also shooting 41.8% from 3-point range. He’s got tremendous athleticism, and could be a guy that could win a dunk contest at the next level.

WEAKNESSES: Winslow’s biggest problem last season came from the free throw line, where he shot just 64.1%. As we know in the NBA, free throws are crucial, so Winslow definitely needs to improve in that area. His jump shot could also use improving, especially if teams use him as a 2-guard at the next level. Having a reliable, knock-down jump shot at that position is critical, and can make all the difference for an NBA wing, as we saw with his player comparison, Jimmy Butler this past season.

BOTTOM LINE: (Hubie Brown voice): If you are looking for a kid that is ready to come into the NBA and make an impact immediately, Justise Winslow is your guy. He has all the qualities that you are looking for in a legit 2 or 3. His motor, athleticism, versatility, defensive skills, and offensive improvement have been his biggest strengths. He’s also only 19, so he has plenty of time to mature and improve in areas where other 2’s or 3’s excel in the NBA. Winslow may not be a player you build your team around, but he should become a major contributor to any team that decides to draft him.