Memphis Grizzlies: 3 bold predictions for the 2020-21 season
1. Justice Winslow makes his debut and proves worth the wait
In the 2015 NBA Draft, every team wanted Justice Winslow except the teams picking in the top-10. Multiple teams made trade calls trying to move into the back-half of the top 10 to take the forward out of Duke but were ultimately rebuffed. Boston Celtics team president Danny Ainge reportedly offered four first-round draft picks to the Charlotte Hornets, who turned him down to take Wisconsin center Frank Kaminsky. Winslow dropped to the 10th pick, where the Miami Heat stopped the fall.
For the next four-plus seasons Winslow showed tantalizing flashes of a high-level player. He was a high energy defender from day one, generating steals and adding a versatile tool to the Heat’s arsenal. Offensively he was a ball-handling playmaker from the forward position, oftentimes serving as the backup point guard. The problem was not skill or upside, it was — and still is — availability. After playing 78 games his rookie season, Winslow has played an average of 41 games a season since, missing almost exactly half of the available games.
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Memphis traded for Winslow last season and still has not seen him make his debut for the team. He is reported to miss the start of the season this year as well. When he finally steps onto the court, a few days or few weeks into the season, will it be worth the wait?
The prediction here is that yes, it absolutely will. Winslow has an open slot in the starting lineup waiting for him at small forward. None of the other starters can fill the secondary ball-handling role as well as he can. His outside shot has improved significantly since his rookie season, with Winslow hitting 38 and 37.5 percent of his 3-pointers in 2017-18 and 2018-19. He and Dillon Brooks make an excellent wing defense duo, with Winslow able to take the larger option on.
It will take some time to build chemistry with the Memphis rotation, but there is no rush. The Grizzlies have their entire rotation on rookie deals or re-signed to multi-year contracts that go at least through 2021-22. Winslow has a smooth on-ramp into becoming a part of this team.
Once he does, expect savvy defense that generates plenty of turnovers. Expect Winslow bullying his way into the lane and flashing the ball out to shooters. Expect transition dunks that rock FedEx Forum. It will take time, but by the end of the year, he will have Grizzlies fans — in-person or watching from home, either one — on their feet.