NBA veteran stashed on Bucks' G-League squad already making an impact

The G-League is a great way for young players to get extra reps and showcase why they deserve to be called up to the NBA. However, it can also serve as a path for veterans looking to rejuvenate their careers and make it back to the highest level. That is exactly what Justise Winslow is aiming to do in Oshkosh with the Wisconsin Herd, G-League affiliate of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Winslow, the 10th overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft and an eight-year veteran, comes to the Herd as one of the franchise's most experienced players, having logged stints with the Miami Heat, Memphis Grizzlies, LA Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers. Though it's not a foreign concept entirely, not many G-League teams employ players with as much NBA experience or pedigree as Winslow.

That's a great thing for the Wisconsin Herd.

Having a household player like that on the roster can be a fantastic thing for the young players looking to make a name for themselves, as they can pick Winslow's brain in practice, games and off the court. With most of them possessing little to no NBA experience, there is plenty they could learn from a player with eight years of it.

Early in training camp, Winslow has already made a noticeable impression on many of his teammates.

Justise Winslow's new teammates talk about him

At Wisconsin Herd Media Day, this writer made it a point to ask the younger Herd players to speak about the impact Justise Winslow has had on them early, both on and off the basketball court. To no surprise, virtually every single one of them had nothing but positive things to say about exactly what the 28-year-old, the oldest player on the roster, has brought to the table thus far.

Xavier Pinson: "I met him last year with 905 Raptors, so we've been kind of cool since then. The first day I got here at the hotel, I walked into the fitness room, and Justise... he basically asked me what I was about to do. I told him I was about to stretch, and from there on, he kind of kept asking me every day like, ' You stretching today?' As a vet, I think that's kind of cool to have someone like that of his caliber to keep making sure you're on top of your game every day."

Quinn Slazinski: "There was a point in training camp where Justise Winslow was driving to the rim and with his head completely down. In college, a coach would tell you, 'His head is down! He's going to the rim! Go crash for an offensive rebound!' And the first day of camp, Justise takes two dribbles, and without even looking, he throws it to the corner. Meanwhile, I had already cut to the basket trying to get an offensive rebound.

He sat me down after and was like, 'What did you see? At this level, we're all capable of making that pass, and you need to be able to be there for the 3-point shot.' So, just being alert on how talented these players are... Maybe your point guard didn't see that in college, but 10-year NBA veteran Justise Winslow did see it."

Ade Murkey: "With Justise, man, he can pass the ball, and I didn't really know that before. Kind of seeing him here and how good of a passer he is and being able to get his teammates involved... For me, I'm going to be, once I get called up or [whatever will happen], a role player, come into the game, pass the ball, get my teammates involved and be able to knock down the shots I get once I do get them consistently like he does."

Whether it's preparation, where to be on the court or how to excel in particular areas of the game, there's plenty that these young players can learn from an experienced veteran like Justise Winslow. As long as he is with the team, he will be a key cog and a leader that these young players can lean on when they have questions as they look to forge their own basketball careers.

As Winslow guns for an NBA comeback, perhaps one that could come with the Milwaukee Bucks as they seek answers in the second unit, it seems like he's more than up to play that mentor role for the time being.

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