Milwaukee Bucks: Should They Target Andrew Wiggins?
By Chris Walton
If there is a silver lining in the gray cloud that has been the Milwaukee Bucks season, it is the chance to draft one of the most exciting prospects that we have seen in the last few years. Andrew Wiggins provided fans with the kind of highlights that we are all looking forward to seeing on the next level. Rim rattling slams, and versatility on the defensive end have scouts drooling over his potential. Wiggins officially announced his entrance into the 2014 NBA Draft on March 31.
The 6’8″ swingman was the lone freshman on the All-Big 12 first team, and also won Freshman of the Year in the conference. Starting all 35 regular season games, Wiggins posted averages of 17 points and six rebounds per game, . This season at the University of Kansas was filled with big games on the national stage, and showdowns with conference foes like Marcus Smart and the Oklahoma State Cowboys.
As mentioned, the 19-year-old standout entered the year with a class of counterparts that will likely be the face of NBA franchises, including Joel Embiid, Jabari Parker, Aaron Gordon, and Dante Exum.
Likely, the Bucks will have a chance at the top selection in the 2014 NBA Draft. At an NBA record worst of 14-62, the lottery balls may fall in favor of Milwaukee. The possibility will allow them a chance at drafting and evaluating Wiggins further, meshing him with their roster. The Bucks are sorely lacking the abilities that Wiggins could bring to their shooting guard and small forward spots. This season, the consistency has not been there in the backcourt and on the wing. O.J. Mayo was brought in to become their primary scorer, but he has only started in 23 of 52 games, with only 11.3 points per games on 40 percent shooting. Veteran guard/forward Carlos Delfino has missed the entire season with injury, and the Bucks traded Gary Neal during the deadline for point guard Ramon Sessions.
Wiggins could possibly join a relatively young roster, and be paired with Brandon Knight and Giannis Antetokounmpo. These three in a starting lineup could definitely be poised for professional growth and excitement for the Milwaukee Bucks fan base. Knight is the leading scorer at 17 points per game, and also leads the Bucks in assist at four per game. “The Greek Freak,” as Antetokounmpo has been dubbed, is adjusting to the NBA game like most 20-year-olds leaving the international ranks (six points, four rebounds per game). He has shown flashes on potential on both ends, that will likely improve with more minutes. Playing alongside Wiggins would provide Milwaukee an interesting combination of athletes at the one, two and three spot.
Outstanding leaping ability, long arms, and a smooth shooting stroke are the unique qualities that Wiggins bring to the court. The University of Kansas allowed Wiggins to utilize himself in a structured role, unlike the amazement that many imagined he would display. His hype, resulting from insane prep highlights, definitely raised questions about his motor, and one on one abilities after a few games, but a performance against West Virginia this year showed us his repertoire.
Milwaukee should definitely draft and allow Wiggins to develop stardom for their franchise. Many experts believe that he will become an NBA All-Star, and follow in the paths of Paul George and DeMar DeRozan. These players became members of teams, the Indiana Pacers and Toronto Raptors, respectively. Both franchises are steadily improving with youth and development. Each of these individuals have also become all-stars. Hopefully, Wiggins can join this team, and see the playoffs like both George and DeRozan will during the 2013-14 NBA season.