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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Jahlil Okafor Making A Comeback?

By Nathan Grubel

Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) attempts to drive past the defense of Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) attempts to drive past the defense of Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) passes the ball past Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley (1) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 114-94. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) passes the ball past Washington Wizards forward Jared Dudley (1) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 114-94. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Justise Winslow, Miami Heat

There was a lot of noise made before the draft about Winslow possibly being one of the top five picks. That talk seemed to cool down as draft day came and went as he slid down to tenth and was drafted by the Heat.

For all of his physical talent he’s a ways away from being a number one or two option for Miami. His shot needs a lot of work, particularly from the mid-range, and he still has trouble making proper decisions on both ends of the floor.

The overall package is undeniable, and I for one still believe he can become a Jimmy Butler-type down the road. He’s even gotten starting minutes of late with Chris Bosh sidelined for what looks like the rest of the season.

He has a chance to get plenty of experience through this second half of the season, and he’s going to need all the repetitions he can get. If he can become relevant from beyond the arc and keep defending multiple positions, then he should end up justifying some of that pre-draft chatter before season’s end.

Next: Bright Future In Chicago?