Heat rookie Justise Winslow joins Adidas

MANILA, Philippines – Adidas announced on Thursday, September 3, that they have struck a partnership with the number 10 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, Justise Winslow of the Miami Heat.

A member of Duke’s 2015 national championship team in the NCAA, Winslow is expected to be a versatile swingman off the bench for Miami’s campaign in the 2015-2016 NBA season, with his ability to drive to the rim, play lockdown defense, and provide hustle being factors that could make him one of the top rookies over the next year.

Before joining Duke for his collegiate career, Winslow won 3 state championships at St. John’s High School in Houston and was named a two-time Gatorade Texas Boys Basketball Player of the Year and McDonald’s All-American.

“I’m excited to be a part of adidas,” said Winslow via a press release. “I loved playing in their basketball shoes at adidas Nations and what they’ve been doing with Kanye and Originals is changing the game.

“I pride myself in being the best player on the court and having unique style off it and adidas will definitely help me do both.”

Winslow becomes the second big grab this summer by Adidas, who recently signed James Harden to a 13-year, $200 million contract. The popular shoe apparel brand is also represented by All-Stars John Wall, Damian Lillard, and Derrick Rose, as well as young Minnesota Timberwolves stars Ricky Rubio and Andrew Wiggins (last year’s NBA Rookie of the Year).

Winslow is expected to play a major role for the Heat this NBA season as they compete for the Eastern Conference title. 

Besides selecting Winslow, the Heat had a pretty busy off-season by re-signing both Goran Dragic and Dwyane Wade, and signing Amare Stoudemire and Gerald Green. – Rappler.com