Wiggins reveals lightbulb moment and ‘dream’ goal for next season

Many would regard Andrew Wiggins as the second-best player in the NBA Finals, aiding the Golden State Warriors to another championship as they defeated the Boston Celtics in six games.

Now, in the aftermath of a remarkable season where he became an NBA champion and first-time All-Star, Wiggins has spoken candidly on some key components of his and the Warriors’ playoff campaign.

Andrew Wiggins’ improvement was a huge factor behind the Warriors’ fourth championship in eight years and has big plans for his future in the Bay Area.

Wiggins joined as a guest on the ‘Point Forward’ podcast, hosted by his championship-winning teammate Andre Iguodala and former ten-year NBA veteran Evan Turner.

Among a wide-ranging breadth of topics covering his entire life and basketball career, Wiggins was asked about his rebounding and why it went to a whole new level during the postseason.

After averaging 4.5 during the regular season, the former number one overall pick averaged 7.5 during the playoffs. That went to another gear in the Finals against Boston, posting 16 and 13 rebound performances in games 4 and 5 of the Finals.

In response to the rebounding question, Wiggins’ answer suggested there was a lightbulb moment for the 27-year-old.

"“The offensive rebounds, I was really just thirsty to score. We have a lot of options on our team…you’ve got to find different ways to get it. Especially when we played small in the Memphis series and I had to rebound. I’m in there rebounding and I’m like this ain’t that hard. I can rebound…it helps us win and get more possessions. I can do this, I’m never going to average four rebounds again…I look back now I don’t even know how that was possible”."

If the Warriors get consistent rebounding efforts from Wiggins moving forward, then that only adds to a team looking for a full season from Klay Thompson and development from their younger players.

Along with his immense rebounding, Wiggins was also a huge factor defensively against Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum. He kept him to under 37% from the floor during the Finals, closing out game six with a three-block, four-steal performance.

Wiggins wants to take his defense to another level next season, hoping that part of his game continues to grow recognition.

"“The defensive team, that’s going to be most important to me. People never really questioned my scoring, but everyone always questioned my defense. To go out there and get an award for defense, that would be a dream come true for me”."

With all the tools and athleticism, Wiggins is more than capable of achieving his defensive goals heading into next season and beyond.