What two years can do: the Andrew Wiggins story
(Kyle Terada-USA Today Sports)
Prior to his trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves, Andrew Wiggins was beginning to be seen across the league as a liability more than an asset. Due to Wiggins having a max contact and him struggling in his role at Minnesota, many teams were unwilling to trade for the former number one pick. Trade talks between the Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors ended up in a blockbuster trade sending rising all-star at the time D’Angelo Russell to the Timberwolves in exchange for Andrew Wiggins and the seventh pick in the 2021 draft which materialized into Jonathan Kuminga.
At the time it seemed the Timberwolves won the trade but fast forward two years later the Warriors system has allowed Wiggins to flourish. In his first year with the Warriors, Wiggins averaged 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists while steadily improving in the system becoming more comfortable and turning into the defensive wing the Warriors were hoping for. Looking at stats, you won't see much improvement between the years but watching the games you can see the confidence and aggression in Wiggins play on both sides of the court.
In each series during the 2021-22 NBA playoffs, Wiggins has been carrying his part of the load and even surpassed expectations. Wiggins is currently averaging 15.9 points and 6.9 rebounds on almost 40 percent shooting from the three-point line. While Wiggins is not a part of the Warriors three headed monster, he and other Warrior player Jordan Poole have proved their importance this season.
(Jed Jacobsohn/Associated Press)
During the Western Conference Finals, Warriors coach Steve Kerr has tasked Wiggins with guarding superstar Luka Doncic. Wiggins has been efficient on all three levels offensively during the series versus the Mavericks while also making great plays on the defensive side of the ball. Every time Doncic is on the floor Wiggins is as well forcing the superstar into double teams, highly contested shot attempts, and turnovers that turn into points in the Warriors elite transition offense. In his impressive play in game three Wiggins ended the game with 27 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists on 60 percent shooting from the three-point line.
Wiggins' progression during his time with the Warriors has allowed him to change the way teams across the league game plan against him. Teams now have to account for efficient volume scoring in the paint and three-point line from Wiggins as well as building an offensive plan to neutralize his defensive ability on-ball, in the passing lanes and on the boards. During his time with the Warriors Wiggins has completely turned the narrative on if he was deserving of a max contract and if he could still become a star in the NBA.
