Since being drafted first overall in 2014, Andrew Wiggins has been largely disappointing compared to his draft projections. While Wiggins was in college and even during his rookie season, he was largely compared to Hall of Fame-caliber players, such as Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Vince Carter.
Wiggins was popular enough and had built up enough hype during high school, college, and his rookie season that he had earned the nickname “Maple Jordan.” During his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves Wiggins 17-23 points per game, with his career-low coming in his rookie season at 16.9.
Andrew Wiggins, since being traded to the Warriors, has turned into an All-Star-caliber forward, and he should be considered for a spot this season.
Wiggins’ main criticisms during this time were his lack of improvement from season to season and his lack of defensive intensity.
However, much of this changed since the 2020 NBA Trade Deadline when Wiggins was involved in a trade to send him to Golden State along with a first-round draft pick (Jonathan Kuminga) in exchange for D’Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans, and Omari Spellman.
Since this trade, Wiggins has blossomed into a two-way beast on the court, putting up career highs in shooting percentages and all defensive stats.
Many argued after last season that Wiggins was deserving of an NBA All-Defensive Team selection, still putting up 18.6 points per game on decent percentages.
This season, his intensity on defense has remained despite his steals and blocks per game dipping slightly, but his offensive efficiency has improved putting up 49% from the field, 42% from three-point range, and 70% from the free-throw line.
The only problem with his scoring game is his lower free throw percentages, but if he starts hitting them at a good rate soon, his scoring will increase and may push him into All-Star consideration.
While his scoring and defense may constitute an All-Star appearance this season, Wiggins has still disappointed in a few other areas which may restrict him from reaching that accolade.
Wiggins is only pitching in 1.8 assists per game this season, which is especially disappointing when taking into account that he plays in a Warriors system that emphasizes ball movement.
This can still be excused though due to the fact that many of Wiggins’ opportunities with the ball in his hands come off hard cuts to the rim or catch-and-shoot opportunities.
Another area Wiggins has underachieved in this season is his rebounding numbers. Wiggins only pulls in 4.5 rebounds in a given night which is lower than what one would expect from an athletic 6-foot-7 forward.
It is undeniable though, that Wiggins has transformed his game to become one of the versatile forwards that nearly every championship-caliber team has.
Many argue that Wiggins is deserving of an All-Star Game appearance this season, including Warriors legend, Klay Thompson, who commented on an Instagram post by user dribble2much “One of the best 2 way players in the game on the best team in the league , NO QUESTION HE DESERVES IT !”.
Wiggins has received plenty of fan support for the All-Star Game, but he also has many areas that need improvement that could set it in stone.
As of right now, there is a decent chance he makes it in as an injury replacement or as a wild card option if the league decides to expand the All-Star team rosters. Given the health and safety protocols almost every team is facing, that seems certainly possible.