Miami Heat on Thursday confirmed what they suspected, that Justise Winslow's shoulder surgery will have him out the balance of the season.
The team on Thursday released a statement that read:
"Forward Justise Winslow underwent successful surgery to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder. The one-hour, 20-minute procedure was performed by Heat team physician Dr. Harlan Selesnick at Miami Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Institute at Doctors Hospital. He will be in a sling for six weeks before beginning rehab. He is expected to miss the remainder of the season."
The rehabilitation period, according to a person familiar with the procedure, is roughly six months, which would have the second-year forward available for the team's offseason workout program.
Winslow then offered a statement on social media that read:
"To say I'm disappointed is an understatement. It hurts that I can't be there for my teammates, the coaching staff and our fans. After a lot of thought, this surgery is what is best for my career.
"I will be back _ in the meantime, I will dedicate myself to the rehab process and I will find a way to support my teammates and make my team better.
"Thank you all for the love and support. _ Justise."
Winslow has appeared in 18 games (15 starts) this season, averaging 10.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.44 steals in an average of 34.7 minutes, averaging improvements in each statistical category from his rookie season in 2015-16, after he was selected with the No. 10 of the 2015 NBA draft out of Duke.