Justise Winslow Declares for 2015 NBA Draft: Latest Details and Reaction

After just one season at Duke, do-it-all small forward Justise Winslow declared for the 2015 NBA draft on Tuesday.

Winslow provided comments on his decision, via Steve Wiseman of The Herald-Sun: 

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This year at Duke University, my dreams and aspirations have literally come true. Since I was a kid in third grade playing for the Houston Jaguars, I envisioned one day playing at the collegiate level and winning a championship. If you fast forward 10 years and my dream became a reality. The friendships and relationships I’ve formed with those a part of the Duke and Durham community have been even better than winning the National Championship. With that being said, my family and I have decided that I should declare for the NBA draft this year. Considering the success and growth that I have experienced over this past year as a player and as a person, I believe it is time to take the next step on my career path and play at the highest level.

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Head coach Mike Krzyzewski also issued a statement, via Wiseman:

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We’re very happy for Justise and his family. He had a sensational year, both on and off the court. He was an amazing factor for our success in winning the national championship. From everything we have found out, Justise is projected to be a high lottery pick and we believe that to be true. This is a great time to take advantage of this opportunity. We’re behind him all the way and love him and his family.

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While he was overshadowed by fellow freshmen Jahlil Okafor and Tyus Jones at times during the 2014-15 season, there is no question Winslow was a key factor in the Blue Devils' championship campaign.

Winslow ended his season with per-game averages of 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals. 

As pointed out by ESPN.com's Jeff Borzello, the Houston native forces the opposition to account for him in every aspect of the game:

Although it can be argued that he doesn't necessarily excel in any single area, Winslow's overall versatility figures to make him an extremely attractive prospect to NBA teams.

CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein compares him to Charlotte Hornets forward and 2012's No. 2 overall selection out of Kentucky, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist:

MKG has seemingly come into his own at the NBA level, and Winslow will be highly coveted if teams have an inkling that he will develop into a similar player.

According to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, Winslow's status as a human Swiss army knife on the court is reminiscent of Chicago Bulls All-Star Jimmy Butler:

Winslow's style of play isn't necessarily flashy or pretty, but there is no doubt that it is effective. He is willing to do the little things needed to win, which will arguably be his greatest asset entering the NBA.

Perhaps above all else, Winslow puts the work in on the defensive end. Per Bleacher Report's Jason King, former NBA player and current NBA prospect mentor John Lucas is hugely impressed with Winslow's ability in that regard:

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People look at his points and rebounds, but it's his defense that makes him special. He can literally defend every position on the court except the center. And he loves to win. At times I've had to get on him to be more aggressive offensively, but he just loves to get everyone involved.

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With so much working in his favor and so many people heaping praise on him, it is difficult to argue with Winslow's decision to declare for the draft.

Additional time under Krzyzewski likely would have allowed him to develop more offensively and become a more complete player, but he also would have been risking injury.     

Winslow's draft stock is extremely high right now, and it is difficult to imagine him being anything less than a lottery pick.

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