He originally questioned the Warriors ‘trade for Andrew Wiggins, but NBC Sports’ Tom Haberstroh is starting to get round.
“I’m going to admit, I did not see Andrew Wiggins in a very good fit alongside the other big three,” Haberstroh told NBC Sports Bay Area, “basically because I think they need more defense and Andrew Wiggins does not has shown consistent defense throughout his NBA career.He has played a Golden State a little better, and sure, if he is surrounded by more talent, I think his game will rise to the level they need him to play.
“He’s shot a little better from downtown. He’s not a knockout 3-point shooter yet. His numbers tick a bit in a Golden State uniform, but the best fit is just positive. They needed a try. “
Wiggins, 25, averaged 19.4 points, 4.6 rebounds and 3.6 assists on 45.7 percent shooting from the field and 33.9 percent from 3-point range in 12 games with the Warriors after they were in was purchased in early February from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Within those 12 games, he recorded five blocks in one game and four steals in another, indicating his defensive potential.
[RUNNIN’ PLAYS PODCAST: Listen to the latest episode]
Very little of that production came alongside Steph Curry and / or Draymond Green, and none of these came alongside Klay Thompson. Wiggins should have the advantage of playing with all three when the next season begins. He will be the third or fourth option on offense, and should be able to take advantage of the best space he has ever experienced at the professional level.
That is, if he’s still on the Warriors.
“Andrew Wiggins, for me, is a solid option at the top three,” Haberstroh continued, “but I think they will be interested to see what they can get in the trade market if they top the No. 1 overall. choice – just to see what they can find in the market to upgrade to the veteran position.Because Andrew Wiggins has been to the playoffs, but he is not someone who has been a championship test, and he certainly has not been at All-Star caliber level.So maybe they can get that with the addition of that No. 1 total pick when they get it.
“Andrew Wiggins – he’s a high-stakes player, a guy with a lot of athletics. But to me he’s not lived up to that promise. Maybe he’s going to be in Steve Kerr’s system.”
[RELATED: Lacob says Dubs focused on ‘couple guys’ if they win lottery]
The Warriors will find out exactly where their first-round pick falls when the NBA Draft Lottery is held on August 20th. It is guaranteed to be a selection of the top five, but clearly the higher the pick, the more value it will have.
Golden State probably presents the best situation for Wiggins to pursue his potential, but it is possible that we will never find out.
