The Oubre-Wiggins conundrum and the Warriors future at the wing

Andrew Wiggins and Kelly Oubre Jr. have both been serviceable players for the Golden State Warriors this season. But with the hopeful return of a fit Klay Thompson next season, the question remains on what role the two wings may have in the Warriors franchise moving forward.

Can both be a key part of the Warriors next championship tilt?

From an on-court perspective, it may be able to happen. Warriors coaching staff and fans could easily envision a closing line-up next season that includes the two, alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the aforementioned Thompson.

But that potential line-up also hinges on the development of James Wiseman; could he demand late-game minutes as early as next season? Regardless of that debate, there’s no doubting he’s the starting centre unless a major trade were to occur.

Kelly Oubre Jr.’s contract situation means there may not be a decision to make and Andrew Wiggins is the future of the Golden State Warriors wing.

That leads to the conundrum of how Wiggins and Oubre could work moving forward. Oubre becomes a free agent at the end of the season and there was plenty of conjecture about his future prior to the trade deadline.

ESPN’s Nick Friedell believed Oubre’s future with the Warriors was “still uncertain”, with the 25-year-old forward stating, “I can offer a lot more than coming off the bench”. The general consensus is that, despite both being more than happy with each other, Oubre and the Warriors will part ways.

But should they? Or should they look to trade Wiggins and re-sign Oubre? Much of the Warriors fan base seems to fluctuate on the debate, much like the form of the two has fluctuated throughout the course of this season.

Oubre’s mindset or Wiggins’ game?

It’s easy to respect Oubre’s mindset on the court – he hustles on defence and is capable of guarding full court, while not being afraid of attacking the basket on the offensive end. However, the latter can bring him into strife where he can often seem out of control going to the rim against a host of defenders.

Wiggins is the more natural scorer, shooting a surprisingly good 39.7 percent from three-point range this season. While he may not bring the obvious aggression Oubre provides, Wiggins is a much-improved, now-considered good defender within the Warriors system.

While Oubre is often too aggressive on offense, criticism of Wiggins usually comes from his lack of intent.

Take the Warriors blowout loss to the Lakers on the 16th of March as an example. Wiggins was 5-for-9 from the field including 3-for-4 from three-point range. So why, in 27 minutes of action and whilst being efficient, did he only take nine shots?

But although Wiggins’ career has been littered with frustration from Timberwolves and Warriors fans alike, his near 60-game career with the Warriors has suggested he has a future with the franchise.

Wiggins contract status means it’s obviously much easier to see him staying longer than Oubre, but he’s also a better player at the respective stages of their careers. He’s also a better fit in a motion offence that looks to add firepower in Thompson next season.

It wouldn’t be a total shock to see Wiggins traded in the off-season, but if he does, expect Oubre to be moved as well. It seems fanciful at this point to see a Warriors roster next season that includes Oubre without Wiggins.