Projecting the 20 most promising young duos in the NBA

15. Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat)

The Miami Heat aren’t necessarily recreating their vintage squads from the 1990s that were defined by the grit and toughness of Alonzo Mourning, Tim Hardaway and Pat Riley, but they are building a solid foundation on the shoulders of hard-nosed youngsters like Justise Winslow and Bam Adebayo.

With new addition Jimmy Butler — another tough competitor, with All-Star credentials — taking on the lead role, 23-year-old guard/forward Winslow and 22-year-old center Adebayo are two key pieces of Miami’s post-Dwyane Wade era.

Winslow is a versatile talent who has played every position except center in his four years as a pro. Last season, which included an experiment at point guard, he averaged 12.6 points, 5.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game. He’s also a solid defender who alongside Butler could create a poor man’s version of the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George defensive tandem in L.A.

Adebayo was a part-time starter last season who averaged 8.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, but now he’s penciled in as the full-time starting center with the departure of Hassan Whiteside.

While Adebayo’s role is pretty clear, Miami coach Erik Spoelstra will have to find the best way to use Winslow’s skill set and make it fit alongside Butler. Fortunately, the Heat have time on their side to figure that out.