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Hindsight is 20/20: Redoing the 2015 NBA Draft

By Cody Williams

Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) and New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 106-104. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Magic defeated the Heat in double overtime 136-130. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat forward Justise Winslow (20) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Magic defeated the Heat in double overtime 136-130. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Detroit Pistons: Justise Winslow, SF

Original Pick: Stanley Johnson, SF

Unfortunately, it’s hard to fully assess Justise Winslow at this point after he was limited to only 18 games in his second year with the Miami Heat. The wing came into the 2015 draft as one of the hottest names available after his lone season with the Duke Blue Devils. And as a rookie, he undoubtedly showed flashes as to why he had scouts and teams swooning over his ability and potential.

His numbers weren’t particularly great in his first season, in which he played in 78 games. Winslow averaged a mere 8.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.1 steals per 36 minutes while shooting just 42.2 percent from the floor and only 27.6 percent on 3-pointers. However, the bulk of his value came on the defensive end.

Even as a rookie, Winslow proved to be an absolute problem when locking up opponents on the wing. With a strong, long frame and supreme athleticism, he’s able to defend well both inside and out. That’s why he was able to total 2.5 defensive win shares in his rookie campaign. In his 18 games in his second season, he showed flashes of that, but wasn’t on the floor enough to develop any level of consistency.

There are obvious flaws with Winslow still, most notably on the offensive end. His jump shot is still a work-in-progress at this point, though it’s not officially broken just yet. But if he can build on his defensive prowess that he displayed as a rookie, he can be a perennial All-Defensive Team candidate in this league. That’s well worth the No. 8 pick, especially for a Pistons team that could certainly use defensive stability.

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