Golden State Warriors: Andrew Wiggins set to face former team

Though there hasn’t been much basketball played, it’s nearly been an entire year since the Golden State Warriors traded for Andrew Wiggins. One global pandemic and disastrous event after another, the NBA season is in full swing and Wiggins is set for his first game against his former team.

Wiggins won’t be making his return to Minnesota just yet, as both matches take place in the Bay. However, it will be his first chance to square off against old teammates. This has all the makings of a revenge game for the former No. 1 overall pick and we’re going to break down what to expect.

For the first time since being traded to the Golden State Warriors, Andrew Wiggins is set to play against the team that drafted him.

A lot has changed since Wiggins last played in Minnesota. Aside from all the obvious things that have impacted the world as a whole, Wiggins himself has changed quite a bit as well. He was once seen as unmotivated and a waste of potential – now, he is beginning to realize some of the raw talents that made him a top prospect.

Wiggins is blossoming as a defender. He has taken on the challenge of defending elite perimeter players and is holding his own. He is averaging a career-high in blocks and has been impressive against MVP candidates like LeBron James and Paul George.

He is also scoring at a career-high rate for efficiency. His per-game numbers have dipped, as would be expected, but he is shooting the best percentage from the 3-point line in his career and above his average from the field. This is a result of smarter shot selection and playing in a more comfortable role.

New roster, same Wolves

While the Minnesota Timberwolves have undergone quite a few changes of their own, they still rank as one of the worst teams in the league. Karl-Anthony Towns is out due to COVID Protocol, leaving his team begging for star power.

Anthony Edwards has been alright but his inexperience as a rookie is showing. Meanwhile, Jarrett Culver is having a bit of a breakout season and Malik Beasley is building off his strong finish to last season by averaging 19.7 points.

As for D’Angelo Russell, the man Wiggins was traded for, it’s been rough, to say the least. Russell is acting as the primary playmaker and scorer for a team with no depth or substantial talent. He is averaging a respectable 20.5 points and 5.5 assists on good shooting splits – but has been unable to avoid a 3-11 record to start the year.

The Wolves rank 26th in points, 28th in field goal percentage and 26th in Defensive Rating. All of this points to another lottery finish for the franchise. Which, is good for the Warriors, as they obtained the Wolves’ 2021 First Round pick (Top 3 protected) in the Wiggins’ trade.

What to expect from Wiggins

We haven’t seen a situation like this for Wiggins so far in his career. He hasn’t had much of a reason to be motivated against any particular opponent. But, with a chance to attack the team that gave up on him, we might see a new version of Wiggins.

I wouldn’t expect him to be overly aggressive as that just isn’t his style. Still, the Dubs will be looking to feed him and put him in a position to start the game hot. Coming off a disappointing loss to the Utah Jazz – let’s hope Wiggins comes out firing to help lift the Dubs over the Wolves.