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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Has Kristaps Porzingis Hit A Wall?

By Nathan Grubel

Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6)is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6)is defended by Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) during the second half at United Center. The Bulls won 108-81. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 25, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Norris Cole (30) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; New Orleans Pelicans guard Norris Cole (30) drives to the basket against Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) in the first half of a NBA basketball game on Christmas at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Justise Winslow, Miami Heat

Winslow was out three games due to an ankle injury but made his return to the court Sunday against the Washington Wizards.

He only played 18 minutes and didn’t hit on his four attempts from the field, but he still played quality defense and contributed in other areas of the game while he was on the floor.

It’s not easy for any rookie playing on an NBA squad let alone one that’s firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Winslow has found ways to put numbers on the board in different categories so I can’t take him out of the rankings based on scoring totals alone.

The potential is still there for Winslow as he develops into a quality wing. It’ll be a wait before he’s ready as a primetime playoff guy.

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