Heat's Justise Winslow impresses in summer league debut
ORLANDO, Fla. -- Justise Winslow, the 10th overall pick in last week's NBA Draft, did not disappoint in his opening summer league game for the Miami Heat.
Winslow put up 15 points to pave the way for a 92-76 victory over the Indiana Pacers.
Dan Craig, Miami's summer league head coach, said he was pleased with how Winslow played on both sides of the ball and the versatility he brought to the team while playing four positions.
"He was locked in, and I thought he did a great job communicating with his teammates for a guy coming into his first game," Craig said.
Winslow said it felt great to get his first win in the Miami uniform, but was disappointed with a zero in his rebound column.
"What I can definitely work on is making all my free throws and getting rebounds," Winslow said.
Miami displayed great chemistry considering it had only had a week to practice. Craig attributed it to having a smart team.
"When you put IQ together and talent you get chemistry," Craig said.
Winslow wasn't the only player to make an immediate impact. Second-round draftee Josh Richardson played 22 minutes, scoring 14 points by going 9-for-9 from the free-throw line with three rebounds.
Richardson said he had a few jitters, but summer league had a familiar feel.
"It kind of feels like an AAU tournament in high school, except on a bigger stage," Richardson said.
Richardson wants to show his team he's a great defender. It's a facet of his game he has improved.
"I play hard every possession," Ricardson said. "I think I can bring something to this team."
Second-year players also contributed big to the win.
Forward James Ennis recorded a standout game with 13 points and seven rebounds, while point guard Tyler Johnson collected nine points and four defensive rebounds.
Zoran Dragic delivered with two 3-pointers rounding out his total to nine.
Miami will resume action at 5 p.m. on Sunday against the Brooklyn Nets.
