Nba playoffs thread

[Lipoli390]

Another great game by Wiggins tonight. I think he's going to get a ring this year. To me the greatest trait a player can have is to play his best when the lights are the brightest. The moment isn't too big for Andrew.

Yep. He's been fantastic in this Dallas series. He's in a great culture surrounded by teammates who bear most of the ball-handling responsibilities and spread the floor with their shooting prowess (Curry, Poole, Thompson).

[AbeVigodaLive]

Another great game by Wiggins tonight. I think he's going to get a ring this year. To me the greatest trait a player can have is to play his best when the lights are the brightest. The moment isn't too big for Andrew.

Yep. He's been fantastic in this Dallas series. He's in a great culture surrounded by teammates who bear most of the ball-handling responsibilities and spread the floor with their shooting prowess (Curry, Poole, Thompson).

Yep.

A few were saying at the time of the trade that it was likely Wiggins would do better in Golden State. The rub is that he wasn't going to do well in Minnesota. That ship had passed. The Timberwolves were a mostly inept franchise with Wiggins on the team. Turmoil. Turnover. And even shocking deaths. And that's not to absolve Wiggins.

He was still the guy picking-and-choosing when to play all out (with obvious examples vs. CLE and TOR). He was still the guy shooting 22 foot pull-ups over and over and over again. He was still the guy who seemingly refused to attack and dunk for vast stretches at the end.

He had to go. And to make it worse, he ends up with arguably the exact opposite type of organization. One built on consistency, accountability, championship pedigree and talent led by all accounts a magnificent superstar teammate.

If Wiggins couldn't add value in that environment, he was destined to be a poor man's Jeff Green vagabond for the rest of his career (at best). Turns out, the Warriors have put him in a terrific position to focus only on the things that they need... and that he can do.

Kudos for the Warriors for seeing what was possible. For dumping a player who did nothing for them at the same time. And for nabbing a promising draft pick (Kuminga), too.

The Wolves were effectively fleeced. BUT... they really had no choice. They had to unload Wiggins. For the good of the franchise.

And for the good of Andrew Wiggins.

[Duke13]

Perfect environment, he's the 5th-6th best player on the team. He's best suited as a role player with the ability to have a big game every so often. The media, fans and teammates have a couple days to sing his praises then we won't notice him for another month. Let's not herald Wigs as a "bright lights" players.

[Coolbreeze44]

Another great game by Wiggins tonight. I think he's going to get a ring this year. To me the greatest trait a player can have is to play his best when the lights are the brightest. The moment isn't too big for Andrew.

I'm disappointed that Dallas can't make this a series (I think it has a lot to do with not being able to hide the offensively-brilliant Doncic on defense), but I'm happy to see Wig step up and play the way he has. He frustrated me while he was a T-Wolf and did not play well in the Houston playoff, but this is a different Wig we are seeing now. He underachieved when he was here, but he seems like a good guy so I'm happy for his success with the Warriors.

FNG, Wig was probably our best player in that Houston series. I don't think you are remembering that right. He didn't have a great last game, but through the beginning of that series he was very good.

[Coolbreeze44]

Another great game by Wiggins tonight. I think he's going to get a ring this year. To me the greatest trait a player can have is to play his best when the lights are the brightest. The moment isn't too big for Andrew.

Fit is huge for players. Wiggins always had incredible gifts and the ability to take over for spurts, but was never cut to be the first option. He is coming into his own with their system and the only expectation being that he compliments a system. Hes doing a hybrid of the harrison barnes and Igoudala roles for them in a really excellent way. Still a lot to pay for that on a team but I agree that it may be enough to help get them a ring.

He's probably their MVP in this series when you consider his role on the defensive end.

[Coolbreeze44]

Perfect environment, he's the 5th-6th best player on the team. He's best suited as a role player with the ability to have a big game every so often. The media, fans and teammates have a couple days to sing his praises then we won't notice him for another month. Let's not herald Wigs as a "bright lights" players.

Ridiculous

[kekgeek]

Perfect environment, he's the 5th-6th best player on the team. He's best suited as a role player with the ability to have a big game every so often. The media, fans and teammates have a couple days to sing his praises then we won't notice him for another month. Let's not herald Wigs as a "bright lights" players.

Ridiculous

Do you think it is really that ridiculous though. Like Wiggins could be an All star game starter, win the 1st ever WCF MVP award, win a title (who knows maybe finals MVP) and then based on rumors be traded this offseason in a salary dump so they can sign Poole long term or have Wiggins take a massive pay cut on his next contract. I do think it is fair that Wiggins will at least be somewhat productive in playoff games and that is huge for him going forward in terms of his value going forward, unlike a player like Derrick White who is straight no showing.

I am happy for Wiggins hope he wins the title this year and would not be opposed to him returning to MN in a year when he is a FA and the Wolves have cap space.

[Coolbreeze44]

Perfect environment, he's the 5th-6th best player on the team. He's best suited as a role player with the ability to have a big game every so often. The media, fans and teammates have a couple days to sing his praises then we won't notice him for another month. Let's not herald Wigs as a "bright lights" players.

Ridiculous

Do you think it is really that ridiculous though. Like Wiggins could be an All star game starter, win the 1st ever WCF MVP award, win a title (who knows maybe finals MVP) and then based on rumors be traded this offseason in a salary dump so they can sign Poole long term or have Wiggins take a massive pay cut on his next contract. I do think it is fair that Wiggins will at least be somewhat productive in playoff games and that is huge for him going forward in terms of his value going forward, unlike a player like Derrick White who is straight no showing.

I am happy for Wiggins hope he wins the title this year and would not be opposed to him returning to MN in a year when he is a FA and the Wolves have cap space.

Kek, I took exception with Duke's entire post. It was at best, misinformed. At worst it was trolling. I get that he isn't everyone's cup of tea, but at least be reasonable. That post was not rational.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Wiggins as the 6th best Warriors player is a stretch. 5th best is mostly a stretch, too.

BUT... check out that team...

Curry (superstar in every way)
______
Green (his impact cannot be understated)
______
Thompson (clearly not what he once was. So him being "better" right now is including a lot of reputation.
Poole (depends what series we're watching. The NBA is about matchups and the Mavs/Doncic hunting offense is not good for Poole. But ask people after the first two rounds... and there's more than a strong case for Poole > Wiggins)
_____
Looney (what an unheralded player. Always steady but seemingly meh... he started this run with 22 rebs in Game 6 vs. Memphis. He's 18 - 23 fg in this series. He's guarding Doncic in space. He even has 10 assists to only 2 TOs.)

Wiggins fits in there somewhere. It's more than fair to argue as high as #3. He's a key part of the team, and might be instrumental in a title run. But let's be honest, he's only in the conversation because he doesn't have to be the #1 or #2 and not even #3 guy the vast majority of the time in GS... all roles he failed in while in Minnesota.

[Duke13]

Perfect environment, he's the 5th-6th best player on the team. He's best suited as a role player with the ability to have a big game every so often. The media, fans and teammates have a couple days to sing his praises then we won't notice him for another month. Let's not herald Wigs as a "bright lights" players.

Ridiculous

Do you think it is really that ridiculous though. Like Wiggins could be an All star game starter, win the 1st ever WCF MVP award, win a title (who knows maybe finals MVP) and then based on rumors be traded this offseason in a salary dump so they can sign Poole long term or have Wiggins take a massive pay cut on his next contract. I do think it is fair that Wiggins will at least be somewhat productive in playoff games and that is huge for him going forward in terms of his value going forward, unlike a player like Derrick White who is straight no showing.

I am happy for Wiggins hope he wins the title this year and would not be opposed to him returning to MN in a year when he is a FA and the Wolves have cap space.

I don't really care to get into a debate about Wiggins, so shame on me for taking the bait. NBA all star appearances are so meaningless, haven't watched an all star game since I was 14 years old probably but Wig getting the starting nod has to take the cake as far as most undeserving ever.

I have zero doubt the Warriors value Poole over Wig and it's more likely then not he not long for their team. This off-season will be interesting and his next contract will tell you a lot.