Justise Winslow Provides Miami Heat Something They Haven't Had Before

The Miami Heat emerged as winners on NBA draft night without exercising any bold decision-making or creative maneuvering. Justise Winslow, who surprisingly slid to No. 10 overall, seemed like the obvious choice for president Pat Riley—but not just due to the argument that Winslow was the top player on the board.

He happens to be a terrific fit in Miami's lineup, where he offers athleticism and two-way versatility that previous Heat reserves could not. 

Unlike current and former backups such as Shawne Williams, Henry Walker, Michael Beasley, Shane Battier, James Jones and Mike Miller—fairly one-dimensional 2-guards or small forwards—Winslow puts constant pressure on the opposition, both in the form of attacking and defense. 

And with Dwyane Wade's minutes-per-game average having decreased for the second consecutive year, that pressure could go a long way coming off Erik Spoelstra's bench.

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Much Needed Attacker  

Only four teams in the NBA finished with fewer points in transition last year than the Heat, according to NBA.com. 

And one of the things that happen to separate Winslow is his ability to convert open-floor opportunities into easy baskets.

No NCAA 2-guard or small forward drafted finished with more field goals made at the rim within the first 10 seconds of a possession last season:

A threat to initiate a break—whether it's off a defensive rebound or outlet—Winslow racked up a strong 1.25 points per possession in transition as the ball-handler, according to DraftExpress' Mike Schmitz.

His quickness, shiftiness, explosiveness and power—attributes he jells with body control—also translate to penetration and layups in the half-court drive-and-slash game.

We saw it numerous times already in summer league. Winslow had games of 15, 14 and 17 points, having done most of his damage on drives and cuts to the hoop. He also averaged 10.8 free-throw attempts per 36 minutes. 

Miami's second unit just doesn't have a weapon like Winslow who can get to the rack at will, as well as guard three positions.

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Defensive Versatility and Energy

While it may be tough to count on Winslow for consistent offensive production, his defensive versatility should be there day one. 

Listed at 6'6", 220 pounds, he'll enter the league with an NBA body that can match up with guards, wings and small-ball 4s. Winslow ultimately has tremendous lateral quickness for the perimeter and strength to hold his own on the interior. 

Advanced physically and fundamentally, both on and off the ball, Winslow gives Miami another stopper, something that can't hurt last year's No. 19-ranked defense in efficiency, per ESPN.

It's also worth noting the Heat finished tied for dead last in the NBA in distance traveled per game (distance in miles players cover while on the court). Winslow plays at a high speed from baseline to baseline and has the potential to immediately inject this rotation with a burst of life and positive activity.

Projected Role

To start his career, Winslow's value lies mostly in his ability to make plays without needing to score or have his number called from the sideline. 

He won't require isolation touches or big offensive outputs to impact stretches of games. From coast-to-coast takes and chase-down blocks to well-timed slices through traffic, Winslow can make his presence felt despite limited one-on-one skills and touches. 

"My game is way more than about if my shot is on," Winslow told the News and Observer's Greg Auman following Miami's summer-league game against the Brooklyn Nets. "It's rebounding, defense, making plays for my teammates. My shot wasn't falling, so I had to find other ways to affect the game, and I felt like I did that."

He's received freedom in summer league to work on the ball, but as a rookie, Winslow projects more as an off-ball contributor who'll spend time spotting up behind the arc and catching and finishing inside it.

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Winslow's fit with the Heat is actually reminiscent of Kawhi Leonard's initial fit in San Antonio. 

Like Leonard had with the Spurs, Winslow will have talent to play off in Miami. He won't be forced or asked to create his own shot, an unfortunate position someone such as Michael Kidd-Gilchrist was put in when drafted by Charlotte. Instead, Winslow's job early on will be to capitalize opportunistically in a role that allows him to play to his strengths.   

At 19 years old on a win-now team with veterans such as Wade, Luol Deng and Gerald Green, Winslow won't be in this year's Rookie of the Year running. His jumper remains shaky, as does his shot creativity. 

But the Heat haven't had a high-motor, above-the-rim, defensive-minded wing like Winslow to support their featured stars. 

Though it's long-term upside that ultimately drives the appeal tied to Winslow, he has the chance to provide purposeful depth right away at a shallow position in Miami.