Andrew Wiggins is finally considered an objectively great NBA player after the season he just had with the Golden State Warriors. In 2022, Wiggins not only became a first-time All-Star, but he also became an NBA Champion. Both those accomplishments came while Wiggins was with Stephen Curry on the court.
Wiggins was the 1st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and spent years with the Minnesota Timberwolves as a 20-point player on a non-playoff team. His effort and defensive ability were always questioned, but all of that has changed in Golden State. Wiggins is the Warriors’ primary wing defender and a pest on the rebounds and he does that while averaging just under 20 points.
A lot of Wiggins’ success is because of Stephen Curry, who unlocked the best in the Canadian small forward on the court. Wiggins plays under a defined role laid out by Steve Kerr, rather than being the primary option on both ends. Wiggins understands the same and his admiration of Curry was evident in an interview where he was asked what was the craziest thing he ever saw Steph do.
“I feel like every game is something different. You never get used to it, you never get complacent. Every game you look at him, shoot from half-court or just shoot and look away, start running the other away and every time you’re just amazed. Like, how? You can try it in practice and you’re not even going to hit the rim. How does Steph do it?”
The true value of Andrew Wiggins will be seen in the system he plays in and what his role is. Golden State gave him a defined role, and he thrived in it. The coaching has to have played a big part as Wiggins found a knack for being in the right place at the right time.
He is entering the final year of his contract and the Warriors will have to make a tough decision on extending him, considering their luxury tax woes. It will be interesting to see whether Wiggins becomes a part of this dynasty for the long-term future or whether we may see his final season in the Bay Area in 2022-23.
