Golden State Warriors: 3 Keys to Andrew Wiggins’ success

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 8: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 8, 2020 at Chase Center 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - FEBRUARY 8: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 8, 2020 at Chase Center 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)
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Andrew Wiggins Golden State Warriors (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Andrew Wiggins Golden State Warriors (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

3. Defense

If there’s one thing the Golden State Warriors will be lacking this season – it’s defense. They will maintain some potency on offense with the greatest 3-point shooting backcourt of all-time but the losses of Kevin Durant and Andre Iguodala will be insurmountable defensively with the current roster.

The Dubs have no one on the wing that can be trusted to defend the floor at a high rate. Klay Thompson is their best perimeter defender but banking on him to be elite after a serious knee injury is a risky investment. This places immense pressure on Wiggins to defend the wing at a respectable clip.

Wiggins has never been an elite defender but he is a gifted athlete. This means that with a bit of energy and effort – he could have a positive impact on this end of the floor. The key is keeping him engaged and motivating him to take on the challenge.

For much of his career, Wiggins hasn’t shown much enthusiasm on the court. Perhaps playing next to a fiery competitor like Draymond Green will bring out the best in him.