Andrew Wiggins Shows Improved Play with Improved Mentality

Since what many dubbed as his “revenge game” in Minnesota, Andrew Wiggins has been on a tear. Averaging 22.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game in the six-game stretch after going off for 35 against the Wolves, it looks like he’s having fun out there, and he’s got the play to prove it.

Looking to score has always been something infallibly in Wiggins’ mindset. When he was drafted to the Wolves back in 2014 with the #1 overall pick, there was a lot of hype about his ability to put the ball in the basket. After some disappointing seasons that lead to many proclaiming him as a bust, he’s proving that he can play for a winning team as a key piece.

Over his last six, the stats confirmed the eye test that he’s been playing well, shooting at 54/30/79 splits which are all improvements over his season averages except for his three-point percentage, which is only two points down. Better shot selection and the willingness to play in the offense has lead him to a 6% increase in his general field goal percentage, and he’s averaging over 4 more points over this span than he has all season.

After receiving some all All-Defense attention last season (didn’t quite make the team), Wiggins is also staying consistent with his contributions on that end. He’s top 20 in the league currently with a 103.1, one of four Warriors players to rank as such, and often checks the opposing team’s best perimeter player in Klay Thompson’s absence. His scoring boost has opened up the floor enough that defenses can’t just leave him sitting, allowing Steph Curry to go nuclear and Wiggins to punish defenses when they do give Steph too much attention.

Despite seeing a minutes decrease from last season, Andrew Wiggins is averaging about the same points per game as he continues to factor into Steve Kerr’s offense. He seems like, at age 26, a possible candidate for a breakout towards the end of the season when Klay returns and opens up the driving lanes for him to get to the rim, where his leaping ability suites him well.

The revival of hopes for Andrew Wiggins’ career may not be the trajectory of the #1 overall pick that was highly-touted as the NBA’s next big star, but for the Warriors, he’s been an excellent asset. And for the first time in his career, it seems like he’s actually having fun while doing it.

(Photo credit: Juan Ocampo / Getty Images)