The Miami HEAT opened round 1 of the NBA playoffs facing the Charlotte Hornets at the American Airlines Arena, and two rookies were returning the familiar stage of the big game. No, it’s not the NBA Finals, but playoffs are playoffs.
When Justise Winslow slipped in the NBA draft, the HEAT wasted no time in making him their selection with pick #10. Winslow was a proven winner, who could play shooting guard or small forward. On the other hand, Winslow’s NCAA Tournament Finals’ nemesis, Frank Kaminsky, was taken with the 9th pick of the draft by the Hornets. Winslow and Kaminsky had just faced off in the NCAA Tournament Championship game, where the younger Winslow rose as a Tournament champion.
Fast forward almost a year later, and Winslow and Kaminsky are meeting again in round 1 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs. The major difference now is that Winslow is making a difference on the court for the Heat with a valuable 27 mins, while Kaminsky goes almost unnoticed, playing a little over 17 minutes. Let’s not forget Winslow’s 2nd quarter Euro step move on Kaminsky that shook the AAA.
Winslow finished his first NBA playoff game 4-6 with 8 points and 4 rebounds. His defense against key Hornets player Nicolas Batum was also crucial in catapulting the HEAT to decimate the Hornets 91-123. Kaminsky didn’t even attempt a shot. HEAT leader Dwyane Wade has simple words for what Winslow brings to the table.
“That’s my Guy. I love that rook.”
The 2015-16 season shaped up nicely for Justise Winslow. Falling to 10 in the 2015 draft and landing in Miami might’ve been exactly what he needed to develop into the NBA player that we see now. However, don’t expect this to be all we see from Justise. After all, he just turned 20, and it’s just his first year of many in the NBA.
