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Golden State Warriors: Slashing is key to Andrew Wiggins’ success

By Tony Pesta

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after making a three-point shot in the second half against the Miami Heat at Chase Center on February 10, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 10: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates after making a three-point shot in the second half against the Miami Heat at Chase Center on February 10, 2020 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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The Golden State Warriors will need Andrew Wiggins to play to his strengths in order to succeed longterm.

Andrew Wiggins is looking to hit the reset button on his underwhelming NBA career thus far. A second chance with the Golden State Warriors may be all he needs to take his game to the next level.

Wiggins entered the league with incredible hype. An otherworldly athlete with insane bounce, Wiggins went viral due to his legendary Hoop Mixtapes. The hype carried over into the NBA Draft when he was selected No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Since then, Wiggins has failed to make any noticeable improvements to his game. Aside from naturally maturing as an athlete, Wiggins hasn’t added much to his arsenal and has yet to become the defender analysts thought he could be.

The Warriors see this and understand that offering Wiggins a chance at redemption could go a long way. In order to make this work, the Warriors need to force Wiggins to play a different style of basketball.

In the past, Wiggins was relied on heavily to score the ball. This caused him to play out of character, forcing long mid-range shots and ill-advised 3-pointers. He was often given the ball and asked to create his own shot, something he proved to be inconsistent at.

This is because of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ lack of offensive talent. Wiggins was asked to carry a large load on offense and it negatively affected his performances.

With the Warriors, Wiggins is already feeling the impact of a team-oriented system. The Dubs lead the entire league in passes per game and have done a great job of getting Wiggins to his hot spots.

He has been most effective at cutting off of the ball and receiving a pass on his way to the rim. Here, Wiggins has finished 72.7 percent of his attempts and converted on multiple and-one opportunities.

Wiggins is great at using his length and jumping ability to reach around defenders on the way to the rim. He has also shown great strength, absorbing contact in the lane and still finishing anyway.

Once the Warriors bring Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson into the lineup, the spacing will be maxed out. This is where Wiggins should really take a leap as a player. With more space to operate and plenty of playmakers to feed him, Wiggins will have a field day in the paint.

This is the key to Wiggins’ success in Golden State. If he buys into the system and works off-ball, he will thrive under the Dubs offensive system.

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