Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Champ Heading to G League Team in Canada

Former Duke basketball star Justise Winslow must impress to earn a return to the NBA.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball forward Justise Winslow (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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Following months as a free agent, Duke basketball product Justise Winslow signed with the Toronto Raptors earlier this week on an Exhibit 10 deal. Although the 27-year-old, a former lottery pick, appeared on the roster for the Raptors preseason finale on Friday night, he did not see the floor.

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And about half an hour after the game, Sportsnet's Raptors analyst Blake Murphy reported that the franchise waived Winslow and sent the 2015 Duke basketball national champ to its G League affiliate, Raptors 905, in nearby Mississauga, Ont.

As Murphy noted, the plan is for Justise Winslow "to go to 905 to get back on the floor, stay healthy, and be on NBA radar...potentially huge for 905 while he's there."

This marks the first season that Winslow won't be on an NBA roster — at least not to start the year — since he turned pro following his one-and-done campaign with the Blue Devils.

Winslow has battled injuries, including an ankle injury that cost him the bulk of his 2022-23 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. He hasn't played over 50 games in a season since 2018-19.

His best years as a pro came with the Miami Heat, the franchise that drafted him No. 10 overall in 2015, as he averaged 9.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game across his five seasons there.

He's since had stints with the Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, and Trail Blazers.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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