Scouting Report – Justise Winslow

Name:   Justise Winslow        DOB: 3/26/1996 (19)   School: Duke

Height: 6’6.5          Weight: 221.8   Projected Position:  SF

Wingspan:  6’10.25      Standing Reach: 8’8.5

2014-15 Stats:

12.6 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.8 tpg (29.1 mpg)

48.6 FG%, 64.1 FT%, 41.8 3FG%, 57.2 TS%, 55.1 eFG%

22.9 USG%, 5.4 OREB%, 19.8 DREB%, 13.1 REB%, 14.2 TOV%, 2.8 STL%

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SKILLS & ATHLETIC BREAKDOWN

Offense

Perimeter Shooting

Winslow turned out to be a strong spot-shooter for Duke from three-point range, and the tools are there for him to continue at the next level. Winslow, a left-hander, gets square to the basket and into his motion quickly off the catch; he has a consistent motion, strong lift from his legs, and a high release with good rotation. He does need to work on making his shooting motion a bit quicker consistently, and he has to watch his feet when he goes into his shooting motion, as he can sometimes bring them too close together, causing his upper body to drift as he shoots . Winslow has shown some ability to hit shots off the dribble, though it’s certainly not a strength for him at this point. Actually, as a whole, his mid-range shooting game isn’t very strong, though with his ability to get to the basket, it’s not surprising he doesn’t choose to pull-up often. As a pick-and-roll ballhandler, he uses screens well to create space for his jumper; more in the mid-range area than long-range, but still, the large percentage of his jumpers are of the catch-and-shoot variety.  He does a good job using jab steps and fakes to create space when needed, as defenders have to be cognizant of his ability to drive to the basket. Winslow has decent range on his shot, though it may take some adjusting for him to hit consistently from the NBA three-point line. Winslow showed good shot selection, rarely forcing bad perimeter shots. Winslow doesn’t move very well without the ball, but he understands floor spacing well and knows where to get the best looks when out on the floor without the ball.

Ballhandling/Penetration/Passing

Winslow is an average ballhandler, with the ability to use both hands well, and able to get to the basket in either direction, though he is much stronger going to his natural left.  Winslow doesn’t have a very quick first step to the basket, though he shows good acceleration once he is by his man, and he uses his strength well to force his way past defenders. Winslow has good body control, and his footwork is smooth as he maneuvers to the basket. He does need to be more reliable with the ball when heading into traffic, as he can tend to let it get a bit far away from him. Winslow can drive in either direction to the basket well, and though he has shown that he can finish with either hand around the rim, he can lack confidence in his right, which can lead to him trying to pull off some awkward looking shots with his left hand. Winslow can have trouble finishing around the basket, and not necessarily against shot-blockers; he will sometimes miss open looks after a nice move to the basket, often because he seems to get to the rim quickly. While Winslow does look to go strong when he starts his move to the basket, he also has a tendency to pull up short, attempting a runner/floater, which hasn’t been an effective shot for him. He needs to learn to use angles well around the basket to help him get good shots off when help defenders have rotated, as well as continuing to work on his short jumper/floater around the lane. Winslow needs to be more aggressive when he is isolated with his defender; his combination of strength and skill should give him the pace he needs to get to the basket. Winslow uses screens well as a pick-and-roll ballhandler, and though it is more often to help him get into the lane, he has become very good at finding open teammates when the help rotates.  He sees the floor well, but he can be a bit sloppy with his passes, and though they may not necessarily lead to turnovers, they missed chances could be good scoring opportunities. As Winslow develops a better mid-range shooting game, his ability to come off of screens well will come more in handy. When Winslow gets space on his drives to the rim, he has the ability to be a strong finisher at the basket and score through contact, though he needs to be more aggressive to take advantage of his physical abilities.

Post Offense

When used, Winslow was a very effective low post option in the Duke offense. He has the body to post up smaller or similar-sized defenders, and he has good footwork, with a few strong moves. He uses his strength well to back down defenders, and he has shown a nice short hook shot and an up-and-under move, as well as the ability to face up out of the post and drive to the rim. Depending on the team’s offense at the next level, this definitely an area Winslow could look to exploit more often as he matures as a player.

Free Throw Shooting

Winslow is a below-average free throw shooter, though with some minor adjustments, he could be much better. He has a consistent routine and motion, with good follow-through, but the motion itself is choppy, with a pause before he moves from his dip to his release. Winslow does a very good job drawing contact when attacking the basket or getting out in transition, getting to the free-throw line at an almost 44 percent rate. His ability to go strong to the basket forces many defenders to foul him to try and stop him.

Defense

Perimeter Defense (On/Off Ball)

Winslow is a very good perimeter defender, covering multiple positions and roles last season for Duke. On the ball, he positions himself well and keeps a good defensive stance, with good lateral movement, and active hands and feet. Generally, he reacts well to his man’s movements, and if he does get beat, he understands angles well enough to make up ground. Winslow can pressure the ball, and his long arms and active hands can be disruptive to shots and passes. Winslow can have some problems getting caught in screens, often trying to just push his way through.  Winslow has quick hands, though he doesn’t take many chances, opting to try and contain his man on the perimeter. He does need to watch a tendency to overplay a side out on the perimeter, especially if the help defenders aren’t good and/or in position. Off the ball, Winslow also positions himself well and he uses his length and active feet well to play passing lanes. He has excellent awareness and he reacts quickly as the ball is moved around the floor. Winslow picks his spots well to jump passing lanes, or come over to trap, getting into position quickly and making a play on the ball. Winslow chases through screens well off the ball, though Duke did switch often on screens. Winslow does need to watch a tendency to cheat too much towards help position, as he often leaves shooters open on the perimeter, and if the pass is made out to his man, he needs to cover too much ground to defend effectively. There’s little reason to think that Winslow won’t be an effective defender at the NBA level, and his skill and physical ability should give coaches options in how to use him.

Rebounding

Winslow is a good rebounder for his size, tracking shots well, and using his body well to box out and create space. He is able to crash the glass well from the perimeter, and he uses his strength to get position around the basket.  While, not a quick leaper, Winslow goes up strong after the ball, extending well to secure the ball, and going right back up with second-shot attempts. He can still have some problems getting his shot off in traffic against bigger defenders, but he can score through contact.  Winslow also uses his strength well to rebound on the defensive end, getting into position quickly and going strong after the ball. He likes to push the ball himself in transition after grabbing a rebound, though as you’ll read below, it’s not a very good idea.

Transition

Winslow is very good in transition, though much better handling the ball himself than running one of the wings. He pushes the ball quickly up the floor, with good control, keeping his head up to see the defense and his teammates. Winslow doesn’t do anything fancy with the ball, just accelerates in the open floor, heading right for the basket, and teams may have had some success in stopping him from getting to the basket if they tried to defend him before he gets to the key. He finishes strong at the rim, through contact if necessary, but he also has the agility to avoid defenders who look to protect the basket. Winslow is also very good as a transition defender, showing the hustle to get back consistently, while doing a good job trying to force the ball away from the basket and out of the ballhandler’s hands.

Intangibles/Summary

Often overshadowed by teammate Jahlil Okafor, and to an extent, Tyus Jones, Winslow went out and provided Duke whatever they needed him to do. He played various roles on both offense and defense, and he had a knack for making plays on both ends. On offense, Winslow has the versatility to be a good spot shooter from the perimeter, as well as use his strength to get into the lane and to the basket. He handles his roles well on offense, not forcing many shots and taking what the defense gives him. Winslow hit over 41 percent from three-point range, often getting open by just filling empty space provided off of pick-and-rolls and low post offense. Though not a volume shooter, he’s a strong enough threat that defenders need to come out on him, which also allows Winslow the space he needs to try and get to the basket. He has smoothness to his driving ability as he moves around defenders, though he needs to be a more consistent finisher around the basket. He sees the floor well and can be a good passer off the dribble, as well as being a good post-entry passer when needed. Winslow is a very good ballhandler in transition, and he’s tough to stop once he gets some momentum on his way to the basket. He’s a high-level athlete who can be a spectacular finisher at the rim, with the strength to finish through contact. Winslow is a very good defender, able to guard multiple positions, and having the speed and strength to play physical, or just look to contain his man. He is an excellent team defender, with good communication skills on the floor, and he has a knack for making plays on the ball if guys aren’t careful. Winslow proved to be a great team player with his willingness to fill multiple roles to win games. Though he is skilled in many areas, he still has a lot of room to grow on both ends of the floor.                      

Draft Value:  Early to Middle Lottery – #3-9

There isn’t much that’s flashy about Justise Winslow’s game; he plays hard on both ends of the floor, and handles whatever his coach needs from him. His value right away should come on the defensive end, but he is already a versatile scorer who can fit in many different systems. Winslow may not stand out when he’s on the floor, but any team will be glad to have him out there for them.

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