Another potential high lottery pick has officially declared for the upcoming 2015 NBA draft.
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According to ESPN’s Jeff Goodman, Justise Winslow of the Duke Blue Devils has announced his intentions to enter June’s draft:
Duke releases that Justise Winslow is headed to the NBA. Not exactly earth-shattering news. Likely Top 10 pick.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) April 14, 2015
Although all the attention will be focused on Duke’s Jahlil Okafor and if he’ll be taken with the top pick in the draft, Winslow has the potential to be taken in the top five now that he’s made himself eligible.
In 39 games under head coach Mike Krzyzewski this past season, Winslow averaged 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Winslow shot 48.6 percent from the floor and 41.8 from beyond the arc.
Winslow proved his worth during the 2015 NCAA Tournament helping lead Duke to a fifth title in school history. Along with being a solid offensive threat on the basketball floor, Winslow’s ability to be a force on the defensive end of the floor has many believing he’ll be a top five pick come June 25.
With the Los Angeles Lakers expected to have the fourth or fifth pick in the upcoming draft, Winslow could end up wearing purple and gold next season. The small forward addresses a need for Los Angeles while also providing an upgrade defensively.
On May 19, the Lakers draft position will be determined during the 2015 NBA draft lottery. If Los Angeles falls to five, the team could elect to go with Winslow if he’s still available.
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