The All-Star event is right around the corner and fans are definitely excited to see their favorite NBA superstars compete in the All-Star game. The starters for the 2022 ASG were recently announced and one of the top stories was the selection of the Golden State Warriors star Andrew Wiggins.
The 26-year-old was once expected to be a big name in the league. Unfortunately, due to inconsistent performances, he never reached his full potential while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. As a result, the franchise traded him to the Warriors and it turned out to be a great decision for Wiggins.
This season he has already established himself as one of the best two-way players in the league. But even then, there is an argument for many other players making it to the All-Star game as starters over him.
Wiggins is a great talent, no doubt about that, but a huge reason for his selection as a starter was the fan votes. On top of that, Los Angeles Lakers superstar Anthony Davis has been consistently sidelined due to injury troubles this season. So there is a case that if AD was healthy Wiggins’ spot might have been in danger.
Former NBA player-turned analyst Kendrick Perkins believes that is true as well. In a recent video. he talked about this subject. Perkins said:
“I understand everyone in Phoenix is frustrated, you know about Chris Paul and Devin Booker, but they are guards, you not taking out Steph and you damn sure not taking out Ja. Okay so, everyone is upset about Andrew Wiggins. Well, he is a wing player. If Anthony Davis was healthy, he might not be there! But goddammit, he is there, and I am proud of him.”
(starts at 1:30)
Perkins did say that if AD was healthy, Wiggins might not have been there. But the NBA analyst also praised Wiggins’ efforts and is proud of his success.
While some might be surprised that Wiggins made it to the ASG as a starter, Kenny Smith predicted his selection two years ago. At the end of the day, Wiggins has improved his game a lot and deserves to be an All-Star, but as a starter or as a reserve? It’s debatable.
