The Miami Heat have been one of the best stories in the league this season, but now one key player may butting heads with the team.
Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel reported over the weekend that Justise Winslow appears to be in disagreement with the Heat over the approach with his injury. The 23-year-old has been dealing with what the team is calling a lower back bone bruise, an injury that cost him 15 straight games before he returned on Wednesday against the Pacers in Indiana. Winslow then left the team for the remaining two games of their road trip and is expected to see a back specialist later this week.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra offered this comment Sunday regarding Winslow’s status.
Erik Spoelstra's full and only comment Sunday pregame on Justise Winslow, "We just wanted to get him back and have him visit our medical staff and we'll have more information when I get back to Miami. That's really all I have for you now."
— Ira Winderman (@IraHeatBeat) January 12, 2020
The Heat are deep enough that they have been able to survive and thrive in Winslow’s absence; their 27-12 record is third-best in the East and tied for fourth-best in the NBA. But the ex-lottery pick provides value as an added playmaker and defender and could possibly be a trade chip before the February deadline.
Winslow is not the only player that has given the Heat issues this season, so there is something to be said about them being one of the best teams in the league despite all the distractions.
