Houston Rockets 2015 NBA Draft: What if…Justise Winslow?

Houston Rockets 2015 NBA Draft: Prospect – Justise Winslow:

What if… the Houston Rockets added Justise Winslow to their bench at the three-guard spot?

With NBA teams focused on playoff runs and injury bugs, we look ahead to the 2015 NBA Draft. The draft doesn’t take place until late June, but why not get a jump start on the future? These segments are dedicated to what the Houston Rockets could, or should, do with their picks in the upcoming draft.

Feb 25, 2015; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) looks to pass while being defended by Virginia Tech Hokies guard Devin Wilson (11) in the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Duke defeated Virginia Tech 91-86 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

Overview

Even with Trevor Ariza signed and Corey Brewer with the player option for the 2015-2016 season, the Rockets could use some extra speed and intensity on the defensive side of the ball. Justise Winslow is a 6’6, 225-pound small forward that plays for Duke University and averages 12.4 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2 assists in his freshman campaign.

Partnered with prodigies Jahlil Okafor at center and point guard Tyus Jones, Winslow is sure to be the third Blue Devil snagged in the draft in New York this summer. Lucky for the Rockets, Winslow will already be used to playing with a dominant big man and ball handler so his hustle and lock-down defense will be the main attributes the Rockets will be looking for.

Houston Ties

Winslow was ranked the best possible recruit out of Houston, by RCSsports.com, before choosing to attend Duke in November of 2013. He attended St. John’s college-prep through high school where he won state championships in 2011 and 2012 while also capturing the Gatorade Player of the Year in Texas.

Coach Krzyzewski, Duke’s head coach, had high praise for the youngster out of Houston saying, “He is a guy that can guard every position and is an amazing rebounder and scorer,” according to Chron.com. Coach K has thought highly enough of the freshman for Winslow to play nearly 29 minutes a game.

“He is a guy that can guard every position and is an amazing rebounder and scorer” – Coach K.

Projections

Depending on where the Lakers and Pelicans finish will determine where the Rockets first draft pick will land. Bleacher Report’s most recent Mock Draft, had the Rockets getting the 17th pick via the Pelicans where Adam Wells estimated the Rockets would take Kentucky PF Trey Lyles. Lyles is a good player, but don’t the Rockets already have a PF from Kentucky? The answer is yes, they sure do.

Wells has Indiana at the 14th slot where he has them choosing Justise Winslow. That could be a solid pick-up for the Pacers, but Winslow’s playing time could be trimmed short due to an eventually healthy and rested Paul George.

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Next: What under used Houston Rockets reserve could make a difference?

Houston Rockets 2015 NBA Draft: What if…Justise Winslow?

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