Moving further away from the top four prospects, the 2015 NBA Draft is wide open from the fifth to tenth spots on most big boards, if not more. While our first two looks outside the top four have included Willie Cauley-Stein and Mario Hezonja, our next look will be a small forward with play-making abilities and another Duke Blue Devil
Name: Justise Winslow
School: Duke
Position: Small forward
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 229 pounds
Draft Position: Top 10 pick
Overview: While not the most heralded rookie on Duke’s team, Winslow is an NBA-ready perimeter player. At the next level, he’ll be thought of initially as a 3(pointer) and D(efender) type of guy, but his game is more than that. He is a great rebounder, his ability to push and go coast-to-coast is the best in the nation, and his play-making ability is great for a small forward.
Winslow likely will never be a superstar type player, but a supreme role player. There really isn’t a great comparison for him in terms of current NBA players. However, he’s a great glue guy who fits the role as non-superstar that every team needs. Think of a Trevor Ariza-type player. The Lakers don’t win a title in 2009 without Ariza, and Winslow could fill that type of role.
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Why The Lakers Should Be Excited: At his base, as previously said, Winslow is a 3&D guy. He can stretch the floor and hit three-pointers (although at just an average rate) and can lock down perimeter players with his defense (more than an average rate). While he shoots 39.8% from the three-point line, he only averages 1.1 makes a game. He’ll likely have more opportunities (and be required) to hit threes at the next level, but a shot is something that can always be improved/altered. As of now, Winslow has almost a set shot with very little vertical. Think Jordan Hill.
In terms of defense, Winslow is as solid as you could want and would likely be the best defender on the Lakers current roster. He has a 6’10” wingspan, which is great for his size. He has the weight to body up with bigger forwards and the speed to stay in front of smaller players. He has good anticipation and can cut through passing lanes, highlighted by his 1.3 steals a game.
Aside from that, Winslow’s most underrated skill is his driving ability. Teams that commit too hard to closing out on an open three will watch Winslow fly by them and elevate to the rim. Even in a regular half-court set, Winslow’s first step allows him to get into the rim and wreak havoc in the interior. Not only can he elevate and finish at the rim, but he’s an underrated passer and can create for his teammates.
Nothing highlights his ability to create offense than when he grabs a defensive rebound and immediately pushes up court. No one in the nation is as good as Winslow at going coast-to-coast and, if not finishing at the rim, finding open teammates spotting up. He’s quick, explosive, and smart, a deadly trio in the open court. Along with that coast-to-coast ability is the fact that he’s an above average rebounder for his size. At 6’6″, Winslow averages 6.1 rebounds a game. He plays much bigger than his frame, which allows him to play at the power forward spot at times next to Jahlil Okafor. In certain situations against certain match-ups, Winslow could play the power forward role in the NBA, especially with his above average rebounding.
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Why The Lakers Should be Wary: As we hinted at, Winslow isn’t going to be a superstar, which makes it difficult to draft him in the top five. At his best, he’s projected as a 3rd option, possibly the 2nd. But you’re never going to win a title with Winslow as your #1 option. While he fills his role extremely well, do you want a role-filler with your top five pick?
From an on-the-court standpoint, his set-shot is a bit worrisome. It’ll be harder to get that shot off against the length in the NBA. That’ll obviously need to be worked on. You also can’t draw up plays for Winslow, with most of his scoring coming from open threes and the free-flowing nature of an offense.
On top of that, at times he relies too much on power and athleticism, putting himself in situations that he shouldn’t. It’s been a noticeable improvement as the year has went on. His unassuming demeanor can both catch teams off guard, but also make him disappear at times. His consistency has improved as the season went on, but it still needs work. For example, there was a four-game stretch were Winslow scored 59 points with 25 rebounds, then followed it up with a four-game stretch where he scored 12 points and had just 12 rebounds.
Final Say: In the end, it’s a question of what the Lakers are looking for with their pick, should it land at the #5 spot. If it’s to find the best talent, Winslow probably falls behind a handful of guys like Cauley-Stein, Hezonja, and others. However, if you’re looking someone that is a great fit, Winslow is your guy. He would succeed next to Kobe Bryant (albeit for likely one year), do the dirty work, and be a fan favorite. That’s not to say, however, that he’s the right guy to go with.
Do you think the Lakers should draft someone like Winslow? Let us know down below!