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NBA: Top 10 Candidates For Rookie Of The Year In 2015-16

By Gerald Bourguet

Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (46) wins the opening tip off of an NBA Summer League game over Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 14, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (46) wins the opening tip off of an NBA Summer League game over Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Justise Winslow (20) takes a selfie during photo day at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Justise Winslow

True enough, Jerian Grant and Kristaps Porzingis probably have a better chance of starting as rookies than Justise Winslow will with the Miami Heat. The Knicks should be a better team this season, but it could become apparent very quickly that New York has nothing to compete for this season. Pat Riley‘s squad, on the other hand, is all in for 2015-16.

Bearing that in mind, Luol Deng will remain the incumbent starting small forward. For a team that fancies itself a real challenge for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the East, Deng’s defense, three-point shooting and veteran experience make him the obvious choice over Winslow.

However, Winslow was originally projected to be a top-5 pick for a reason, and the fact that he slid so far to a competitive team means he’ll spend more time in the public spotlight. If the 30-year-old Deng experiences the same wear-and-tear we’ve seen off and on over the last few seasons, Winslow could have a chance to really make a name for himself.

Last season, Deng stayed pretty healthy, playing in 72 games for the Heat. But the season before that, he only played in 63 and in 2011-12, he only suited up for 54. If Winslow finds a way to earn more minutes off the bench, or if he has to step up for an injured Deng, his athleticism, bullying strength and stout defense could help him stand out despite only being 19 years old.

Next: No. 7