The Golden State Warriors won the 2022 NBA Finals, and the play of first-time All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins was a huge why. Wiggins was often the primary defender for Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown in the NBA Finals.
It went far beyond that though as he was instrumental in defending the likes of Luka Doncic in the third round and a plethora of capable scorers both against the Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies.
Andrew Wiggins will spend next season with the Golden State Warriors, and he has his eyes locked on being an All-Defensive Team member.
Wiggins hasn’t always been known for his defense. Coming out of Minnesota, his lone NBA home at the time, many didn’t think Wiggins was going to be a success in the NBA because he didn’t turn into that superstar the Wolves expected him to be.
In Golden State, he found a home that is going to perfectly mold to his skill set, and as an isolation playmaker and top-notch defender, Wiggins has thrived in the Bay Area since joining the team in the middle of the 2019-2020 season.
Wiggins was an All-Star starter this season, and he hopes to take his play on one end of the court to new heights this coming season.
“One thing I’m really gonna strive for this upcoming season is being on the (All-)Defensive Team. That’s a big goal of mine. Hopefully I opened some eyes in the playoffs and I can be on the radar. I ain’t get not one vote this year! I took it personal in the playoffs!” Wiggins said on The VC Show with Vince Carter.
Wiggins has the athleticism and potential to get there.
He averaged a steal and .7 blocks per game are oddly spot on his career numbers. While that’s not necessarily the key to being on the All-Defensive team, it certainly does help the case. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers for the 27-year-old.
Getting on that radar is important, and hopefully for those voting, they notice Wiggins. He was a stud in the playoffs and seems like he’s primed to keep that same type of energy throughout the entire season.
The sky is the limit for the 6-foot-7 star forward, and with Klay Thompson and Draymond Green alongside him, he may look like an elite defender this upcoming season.