Re-drafting the 2015 NBA Draft

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Nov 23, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) dribbles the ball against the New York Knicks during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 95-78. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

93. . Small Forward. Duke Blue Devils. Justise Winslow. 3. player

How did Duke’s Justise Winslow fall all the way to the Miami Heat at No. 10 in the 2015 NBA Draft? He was a special player for the 2014-15 Blue Devils that won the NCAA Championship over the Big 10’s Wisconsin Badgers.

While Winslow’s offensive skill set is still very much a work in progress, he’s already a stellar defensive player for Miami and could become a star at the highly coveted wing position in the small ball era of the NBA.

The Philadelphia 76ers didn’t do great work in drafting players during The Process Era under then general manager Sam Hinkie, choosing to go with disgruntled Duke center Jahlil Okafor at No. 3 in the 2015 NBA Draft. Looking back on the draft, Philadelphia should have gone with Okafor’s Duke teammate in Winslow at No. 3.

Philadelphia used nearly all of their picks on often-injured front court players and left their back court positions to be filled by essentially D-League players. Having Winslow at the three would have been a great piece for the 76ers in trying to right this rudderless tanking ship.

Next: 4. New York Knicks

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