KEY POINTS

  • Andrew Wiggins needs to step up and help the Warriors have a better campaign
  • Wiggins' future could hinge on how well he performs for the rest of the current NBA season
  • His stock could dip if Klay Thompson returns in the rotation

The Golden State Warriors undeniably won big when they acquired Andrew Wiggins from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

There is no denying that the former top pick has talent on both ends of the floor, not to mention being a rare breed of a 6-foot-7 who is quick on his feet.

Wiggins was seen as the right guy that Steve Kerr could use. But despite his efforts, his production has been questioned this NBA season.

Some know that the former NBA Rookie of the Year is gifted, but his stay at the Bay Area is up for debate.

This season, Wiggins has played in 51 games, averaging 18 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. While these are credible, it has not helped the Warriors in a way to boost their campaign.

As of this writing, the Warriors are 10th in the Western Conference standings but can still make it to the next round either directly or via the play-in tournament.

It is an odd predicament for the many-time NBA champion club, but getting guys like Wiggins going could help.

Stephen Curry remains the top guy for the Dub, but Kerr needs help from players like Wiggins. A bump in scoring to around the 20s could be what the Warriors would need to compete better.

However, there are concerns on the level of efficiency that Wiggins can maintain on both offense and defense.

Wiggins has been around the league for seven seasons now and has proven he can score more. He showed that during the 2016-17 NBA season where he normed 23.6 points 4.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 82 games.

The closest he had to replicate that was in the 2019-20 season, his last year with the Timberwolves. Hence, he could be groping for form, and it will be up to Kerr how to bring that performance level out of him.

Canada's Andrew Wiggins
Canada's Andrew Wiggins leaps to the basket to score against Venezuela during their 2015 FIBA Americas Championship basketball game, at the Sport Palace in Mexico City September 3, 2015. REUTERS/Henry Romero

If Wiggins fails to pan up, expect another round of NBA trade rumors to swirl in the offseason.

The Warriors swingman is in the third year of a five-year deal worth $147 million that he signed with Minnesota in 2018. He is owed roughly $65 million more for the next two seasons.

The Warriors know they need to tweak their roster, especially with Klay Thompson still out of commission. Things could change if the 31-year-old returns.

However, it also hints that Wiggins may be pushed back a bit, raising questions if the Dubs still need him or not once their Big Three are up and healthy once more.

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