Q12543 wrote:Those are good examples, but also exceptions to the rule. Wiggins has shown zero improvement as a rebounder, as his rebound percentage has gone down since being a rookie. One thing that would boost his per game numbers, but not necessarily rebound % numbers, is if the team finally plays good defense and creates more missed shots. Then everyone's per game rebound numbers will go up.
The general point is that we simply aren't going to see Wiggins transform himself into a swiss army knife wing that generates a bunch of turnovers, grabs a bunch of rebounds, is a triple double threat, etc. It just isn't going to happen.
What is realistic to expect is that he plays defense with better awareness and effort and that his shot selection and making becomes more efficient (e.g. more 3-pointers and fewer contested long 2s).
I count five exceptions - Bradley, Westbrook, Harden, Pippen and Jordan. I'm sure there are others. In any event, I don't think anyone is suggesting that Wiggins suddenly becomes a Scottie Pippen averaging 2.5 steals, 7 boards and 5 assists per night. But I can see him ramping up his rebounds from 4 to 6. If he does that, along with more efficient scoring (through more made 3-pointers) and better, more consistent defense, then he'll be everything we need him to be - assuming we get what I'm expecting to get from Butler and Towns.
For all of those who've read my posts on this board, it's clear that I have serious doubts about the development of Wiggins. I've seen him far too often look like he's daydreaming on the court. Garnett told someone privately that "Wiggins has no heart." I remember a Milt Newton interview when he recalled Flip essentially "flip out" on Wiggins in practice because of Andrew's lack of intensity. So there's plenty of doubt and a number of doubters when it comes to Wiggins ever being more than a gifted high volume scorer. But Thibs doesn't seem to have those doubts and he's not one to gloss over lack of competitive fire or intensity. Thibs has repeatedly talked about competitiveness being expressed in different ways, implying if not outright saying that Wiggins is fiercely competitive and intense beneath his quiet, seemingly casual demeanor.
So here's how I'm looking at things. I have no doubt about what Jimmy Butler is -- an allstar on both sides of the ball a la Scottie Pippen. I have no doubt about what Towns will become -- a dominant big, perennial allstar who will fill the box score with points, rebounds, assists and blocks. He'll score inside and out and I'm certain the defense will come because the intensity and competitive fire are there to complement his incredible physical gifts. I'm not sure what Wiggins will become. I think he'll improve his shooting and become a more efficient scorer. I hope he'll improve a lot defensively and ramp up his rebounding. I still think he can become a star.
