Duke Basketball One-And-Done Now Faces Uncertain Future in NBA

Duke basketball national champ Justise Winslow remains unsigned for next season.

Matt Giles | Jul 22, 2023

Duke Basketball One-And-Done Now Faces Uncertain Future in NBA /

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Justise Winslow has suited up for four NBA franchises since hearing his name at No. 10 overall to the Miami Heat at the 2015 NBA Draft following his lone Duke basketball season. That makes the 27-year-old forward a veteran and somewhat of a journeyman in the league.

While it's unlikely Winslow's NBA journey ends here, some might view it as concerning that he hasn't signed with anyone over three weeks into this summer's free agency.

He played only 28 games for the Portland Trail Blazers last season, averaging 6.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 3.4 assists before a high ankle sprain in December kept him out of action the rest of the way.

Even so, this week, Bleacher Report's Andy Bailey ranked Justise Winslow at No. 8 among the top 10 "bargain-bin free agents" still up for grabs. Bailey offered the following breakdown of Winslow's strengths and weaknesses as a pro:

"His career 47.7 true shooting percentage is now 625th among the 631 players in league history with at least 728 three-point attempts. It's tough for a team to recover from that kind of shooting. However, Winslow has been a plus defender throughout his career. Thanks to his 6'10" wingspan, Winslow can guard multiple positions...Despite his dreadful shooting, Winslow could be helpful in the right offensive role...His ability to drive, draw the defense, and kick out to shooters is solid for a wing."

Winslow, who played an integral role in the 2014-15 Duke basketball squad cutting down the nets at the Final Four in Indianapolis, has earned over $45 million across his eight seasons in the NBA (stints with the Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, Los Angeles Clippers, and Blazers).

Justise Winslow was a walking bucket at Duke. (2015) pic.twitter.com/RXUtk6jSc5
— ThrowbackHoops (@ThrowbackHoops) March 10, 2019

And he's never averaged fewer than five points and four boards. So it's not as if he's been a bust.

But considering he should be in his athletic prime, it's unfortunate that injuries — hamstring, groin, ankle, knee, thigh, hip, lower back, you name it — have so often kept Winslow sidelined. He hasn't played 50 or more games in a season since 2018-19.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for daily doses of Duke basketball news.

Published Jul 22, 2023

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.