Minnesota Sports Forum

Lots of chatter and buzz about Wiggins, we have those with hope that this "hot streak" continues but needing more proof citing hot steaks of the past and others proclaiming he's a new man!

Old Andrew: IMO he'd have his hot streaks due to natural talent but overall his game was mostly drives in one direction, out of control leading to a successful burst toward the rim or a charge. His bail out move was a fast spin move mostly still out of control but again sometimes having success. When the drive was taken away he'd stop pivot shake and try to elevate taking a hard contested shot or pass with a defender draped all over him. He also tried to catch and shoot from 3pt range more often and his floater/push shot would be taken when a defender cut him off and was also heavily contested.

New Mr. Wiggins: He is looking to get the ball in his hands first thought appears to be am I open now, can I get a pick and take a 3pt shot when defenders go under the pick. When taking the pick he's less predictable because he can shoot over the top, attack with elite athleticism and as many have stated his decision making and handle is much improved. He isn't waiting for a defender to be draped on him to pass, he's now driving with purpose to draw defenders and kick to teammates or to initiate contact rather than avoid it, and that is the biggest difference in his floater/push shot. He now clears room and with his athleticism he can elevate and appears to have worked on his touch and developed a go to move. Speaking of go to moves, he also doesn't need a screen and is looking to dribble crossover dance with the ball on a string though his legs with multiple changes in direction to get players off balance before driving or his step back pull up jumper. I really like the step back because the set shot seems harder for him, when he dances and steps back he gathers balance and gains distance from a defender before rising up for more three's than taken in the past. The handle is probably the most improved aspect, he will attack get cut off, change direction and attack or make use of a pick or re-pick to attack again. He ain't avoiding contact as much, he ain't stopping when cut off or forcing a contested shot/pass nearly as often and every aspect of his game is in more control. The swag and confidence go a long way too, it's spilling into the other end of the court and he's becoming a really nice piece to build around!

Where do you stand? New Man? or Same old hot steak that's over priced? Why?

His preseason performance had that much suggested Batum deal looking intriguing. Now? Not so much even if Batum was healthy. Wiggins is exceeding my expectations so far although they weren't exactly super high. I think there are some signs he is a bit different player. Let's see what the next few games bring.

He's a new version of his old self is my early take. He's back to going downhill and attacking the basket, except this time with less dunk attempts and free throws and instead more skillful floaters and finger rolls. As for his perimeter game, he's taking more 3s and less long 2s.

I think he's definitely on track to do better than the "lost years" under Thibs, but yet to be seen if he actually takes a big leap forward as compared to his 2nd and 3rd seasons, which I consider his best. I think we'll have a better idea after the next 10 games.

monsterpile wrote:His preseason performance had that much suggested Batum deal looking intriguing. Now? Not so much even if Batum was healthy. Wiggins is exceeding my expectations so far although they weren't exactly super high. I think there are some signs he is a bit different player. Let's see what the next few games bring.

I agree the future will paint more clear picture, Mr. Wiggins has kinda been put into a larger role with KAT missing two games and both our top PG's not playing but even in the games at full strength I've seen encouraging development.

Q12543 wrote:He's a new version of his old self is my early take. He's back to going downhill and attacking the basket, except this time with less dunk attempts and free throws and instead more skillful floaters and finger rolls. As for his perimeter game, he's taking more 3s and less long 2s.

I think he's definitely on track to do better than the "lost years" under Thibs, but yet to be seen if he actually takes a big leap forward as compared to his 2nd and 3rd seasons, which I consider his best. I think we'll have a better idea after the next 10 games.

I used to love how Sam Mitchell would run designed post ups for him and thought he was on his way to greatness and then the last few years had me completely doubting him. It's been a roller coaster for me but I am once again excited about him and the new leadership.

Wait for Teague to come back thus pushing wiggs back to his off the ball role.

Then i think we'll have a better idea of how engaged he is and how his improvements translate.

I will say this much, it has been fun to watch. I really hope when our point guards come back Ryan continues to let him handle the ball. I could definitely see (I sound like Lip) him reverting to doing a lot of standing around, with only occasional bursts of activity. The best offense I've seen this year is when he's orchestrating things for himself and others. I'd even say he's become a handful for the defense at times. But to answer your question, I just don't know yet how much of this is real and how much is fools gold. Need to see how it goes for a month or two. I just hope people don't jump all over him the next time he has a poor shooting game. It's going to happen, he's certainly not immune to slumps.

Q12543 wrote:He's a new version of his old self is my early take. He's back to going downhill and attacking the basket, except this time with less dunk attempts and free throws and instead more skillful floaters and finger rolls. As for his perimeter game, he's taking more 3s and less long 2s.

I think he's definitely on track to do better than the "lost years" under Thibs, but yet to be seen if he actually takes a big leap forward as compared to his 2nd and 3rd seasons, which I consider his best. I think we'll have a better idea after the next 10 games.

I think you nailed it for the most part, Q. But I see three things in his game that look new.

First, I think we're seeing a playmaker Wiggins we've never seen before. He's seeing the floor, making reads and executing smart passes totally unlike anything we've seen from him before.

Second, his ball-handling looks like it has taken a quantum leap since last season. Most of the time (not always), he's dribbling much lower and under control. He's still using his spin move, but he's using it less and more judiciously.

Third, he's competing for rebounds and getting to loose balls far more than I've ever seen from him before. In that sense, I don't see him daydreaming on the court they way he has so often all of his previous 5 seasons.

Beyond those three differences in his game, Andrew's facial expression and body language on the court seem very different. He has a far more serious face on the court with very little of the grinning we used to see from him the previous 5 seasons. And you don't see him meandering around the court with his hands on his hips looking like he could care less whether he's playing or not.

In sum, he looks far more engaged, alert and intense than he's ever been in my memory. It's almost as if he went from heavy daily weed consumption to a daily cup of coffee. Or maybe it was three lost seasons laboring in the oppressive environment created by Thibodeau that stifled his development and caused him to tune out. I think I'd tune out if I had to work for someone like Tom Thibodeau every day. Whatever it is, I like what we've seen so far. But we'll have to see if all this continues the entire season.

Even when Teague was healthy other guys were bringing the ball up and initiating offense. I see having a PG coming back...yes it will take the ball out of Wiggins hands some but it will also take it out of the hands of guys like Okogie and Culver and put it into the hands of an actual NBA vet PG who will also get Wiggins a couple easier looks etc. To me the reasons why Wiggins has even more successful this season is his shot selection and that's been pretty consistent the whole regular season.

I think he's the same player who has made more extreme adjustments to the margins of his game by heeding the advice of his coaches. Even a regression to his career percentages shouldn't affect his numbers too negatively if he gets the same usage. I think the passing is the biggest positive trend that i see. When his drive is getting shut down hes actually getting others good looks beyond the skip pass for a 3.