When the Milwaukee Bucks signed Justise Winslow to an Exhibit-10 deal, many fans were intrigued.
While the nature of the contract meant that Winslow would almost inevitably end up with the team's G-League squad, the Wisconsin Herd, and not the Bucks directly, this would give the front office an opportunity to see what he has in the tank. The 28-year-old is an eight-year NBA veteran who has suited up for four squads. That type of experience on a G-League roster is interesting.
During Wisconsin Herd Media Day, Winslow made it clear that his goal is to get a call-up and return to the NBA. When asked about his skills and where he is at as a player after battling injuries over the last few seasons, Winslow made a compelling case that he still has plenty left to give. In fact, judging by his words, he sounds like the type of player who could help the struggling Milwaukee Bucks.
Justise Winslow is itching for his next NBA opportunity
This writer asked Winslow what his greatest strengths are and what he will bring as a player.
"Playmaking and connection. I'm not the best scorer, but I can score. Above that, I can make plays. I'm a smart, high-IQ guy, whether that's screening and getting the right angle or making the right extra pass for the hockey assist. Defensively, just causing havoc on the ball, off the ball, defensive rebounding. Really just playmaking. The little things that can bring our group together.
I know I'm not going to go to a team and be the leading scorer or have the ball in my hands a bunch, so it's just the other key areas of the game that I feel like I really excel in, and I can really help a team."
Throughout their 1-6 start, the Milwaukee Bucks have lacked the type of spark Winslow described, especially coming off the bench.
Milwaukee's second unit has had plenty of struggles in just about every regard, but one of the main issues is the lack of passing. The bench ranks 28th in assists per contest this season, as there just simply isn't enough ball movement. They could also unquestionably use another player who knows their role is to set screens, help the scorers get to their spots and feed them the basketball.
Of course, they could also use another defender. During his playing days, the 6-foot-6 forward was a standout on that end, using his height and length to hound offensive players. With the Bucks having a hard time on that side of things to start the season, they should be surveying the market to find some help if it is out there, and there's a chance Justise Winslow could be it.
At the moment, the odds of the Bucks bringing up Winslow soon are slim. First, he must showcase what he has left to give at this point in his career, and he'll have an excellent opportunity to do so down in the G-League. If Winslow is healthy and indeed puts his words into action regarding what he can bring to a team, the Milwaukee Bucks will notice, especially amid a horrific 1-6 start to the year.
This will certainly be an interesting storyline to follow.
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