The Golden State Warriors don’t have much to aim for this 2019-20 NBA season, possibly a reason why they ended up cleaning house. Despite repeatedly denying that they were not keen on trading D’Angelo Russell until the offseason, the trade trigger was pulled. When the smoke cleared, they ended up with an expensive player in Andrew Wiggins, the top pick of the 2014 NBA Draft.
Aside from Russell, gone are Jacob Evans and Omari Spellman. The Warriors did get two future picks in the exchange, although all eyes are on the 24-year-old Canadian. Despite being a former top pick, Wiggins has not exactly been a standout figure. He is producing worthy career averages of 19.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. A look at Basketball-Reference.com actually shows him playing in 42 games with better production (22.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists.
If the numbers are to be used as a basis, there is no denying he is reliable. However, he may not have been the guy the Timberwolves really need. Hence, there is a fair chance that the move to the Dubs may eventually become a blessing in disguise. In his debut, he dropped 24 points along with five steals, two rebounds, and three assists. One game may not define how a player will fit in, but it appears the 6-foot-7 is comfortable under the guidance of head coach Steve Kerr.
Despite the criticism, at least one player feels that Wiggins fits in well with the Dubs’ needs. Draymond Green believes he is what they need and someone who can be with the Dubs for a long time NBC Sports reported.
“As seamless as it could possibly be, I think he can fit right in. He can score the basketball, he can run the wings, he’s a pretty good defender. So I think he’ll definitely fit in with this core for a long time,” Green said.
Finally, it should be worth noting that Wiggins will now be playing his natural position. With the T-Wolves, the Canadian found himself trying to play the shooting guard position. Although that meant an advantage in height, the ploy never really worked out. And whatever adjustments Wiggins made than could become beneficial moving back to the small forward position.
There is a chance that the 2015 NBA Rookie of the Year has improved his shooting stroke and gotten faster. Those are just some of the things that critics may have overlooked, something that should be good news to Golden State Warriors fans.
