Hoops Habit
Fansided

Miami Heat: 3 big questions heading into 2018-19 NBA season

By Simon Smith

MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 9: Josh Richardson #0, Hassan Whiteside #21, and Justice Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 9: Josh Richardson #0, Hassan Whiteside #21, and Justice Winslow #20 of the Miami Heat during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on February 9, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. Will the Heat extend the contract of Justise Winslow?

Now entering his fourth year in the league, the Heat have until opening night to extend Winslow beyond this season. After playing just 18 games in 2016-17 due to a season-ending shoulder injury, Winslow returned to the court in a slightly reduced role lasts season, and took some to reestablish himself after such a lengthy stint on the sidelines.

While his playing time dropped from 34.7 to 24.7 minutes per game, Winslow’s renowned versatility on the defensive end was still apparent to all involved with the Heat. In addition to his defensive exploits, one area that particularly stood out was his improved stroke from 3-point range.

After hitting at a disastrous 20 percent clip from long range the previous year, Winslow gradually demonstrated a noticeable improvement in this area, rounding out the year by converting at an impressive 38.0 percent clip on 1.9 attempts per game. Coupled with his new-found ability to pinch hit at the point guard slot, this presented the Heat with a more well-rounded and versatile performer at both ends of the floor.

However, the Heat now have a significant decision on their hands.

A former lottery pick, it’s still unclear just how high Winslow’s ceiling is moving forward. Despite being still just 22 years of age, the Heat have already invested an enormous amount into the contracts of several players. While signing Winslow seems like a rational move for the future, it also somewhat handcuffs the ability of the Heat to become a major player in free agency in the coming seasons when some of these other deals come off the books.

With less than two months until the start of the year, this is certainly an interesting subplot to follow as the season approaches.

Home/Miami Heat