Tap here to get an in-depth look at the top prospects in this year's draft class leading up to the NBA draft, which takes place on June 25 in Brooklyn.
A Kanye West lyric and Family Matters pun can make a prospect more fun. It shouldn't confuse the fact that the joke is true for the 2015 NBA Draft: Too many Urkels on your team? That's why your Winslow. Or why your team should pick Winslow, rather.
Duke freshman Justise Winslow stands as perhaps the best wing available in the draft, and his combination of NBA readiness and untapped potential makes him an intriguing pick for a team in any situation. The impressive skill set and physical package could put the high-end defender into the top five, possibly even as a running-mate for Carmelo Anthony in Gotham. Just call Phil Jackson, "Carl."
Relevant Background
| Position | DraftExpress Rank | ESPN Rank | Height w/ Shoes | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SF | 7 | 6 | 6' 6.5" | 222 |
| Wingspan | Standing Reach | Max Vertical (in.) | Hand Length (in.) | Body Fat % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6' 10.25" | 8' 8.5" | N/A | 8.5 | 5.3% |
| NCAA Stats | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 12.6 | 6.5 | 2.1 | 48.6% | 41.8% |
Scouting Report
Strengths: Odd though it may seem for a player on the Knicks' radar who scored fairly well as a freshman, Winslow's impact will start on the defensive end. He didn't measure out quite as well as hoped in terms of height, but he's plenty long, strong, and quick, meaning he should be able to guard two or three positions. It's not only the tools on that side of the ball, as Winslow's a high-effort player who appears to enjoy locking the opposition down. Offensively, he's mostly Houston Rockets-style shots right now, with a good nose for offensive rebounds, a good transition game, and a developing 3-point stroke.
Weaknesses: The size may be a bit of a concern for teams who hoped he'd be able to play some power forward, but in a wing-starved draft that's not the worst thing that could happen to a player. He'll need to show teams that his new, more compact outside shot is the real deal, as his 64-percent mark at the charity stripe doesn't portend future marksmanship. If he can't knock down catch-and-shoot threes, he could have a tough time scoring in the flow of an offense, as he's still developing his off-the-bounce game and isn't much of a mid-range threat.
Highlight Reel
What to Expect on Draft Day
It seems unlikely Winslow can edge his way into the top three given the need for all of the teams drafting there to swing for the fences, and their respective needs down low and at point guard. Things really open up for him after that, and the organizations that value interviews and character highly could easily fall in love. His range begins with the Knicks at No. 4, and while Mario Hezonja, Kristaps Porzingis, and even Stanley Johnson could conceivably jump him on some boards, it's incredibly unlikely Winslow drops out of the top 10.
