Minnesota Timberwolves: 3 reasons their season is over
By Chris Conner
2. Andrew Wiggins didn’t take the next step
Andrew Wiggins is easily one of the more polarizing players in the NBA. Blessed with ideal wing size, fantastic athletic ability and the capability of doing almost anything on a basketball court, most thought a star would eventually rise.
Four years into his career, we’re all still waiting.
Granted, Wiggins has shown flashes, but there’s always been something seen to be missing. Some have questioned his motor, while others question his will. The addition of Butler was supposed to help with both, ideally giving Wiggins less responsibility and a veteran star to learn from. It figured to be the best opportunity for him to flourish.
The question about Wiggins remains: Does he aspire to be the best? And if so, how much? It’s something that’s always been asked about Wiggins, and when Butler went out due to injury it came up again.
Andrew Wiggins has been criticized his whole career for being too chill & lacking passion. MIN needs more from him with no Jimmy Butler. But nobody can make him want it. This is a chance to be more & show that there's some fire in there. No time for these pedestrian performances
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) March 9, 2018
Wiggins responded by putting the finishing touches (lowest plus-minus in his final two months since October) on arguably the worst season in his young career. Wiggins’ points, field goal percentage, 3-point and free throw percentages all dropped dramatically in 2018. For a kid whose only improvements have come in points per game over his career, there’s a question as to what his role should be going forward in Minnesota.
If the rumors are correct, it isn’t a third option.
Wiggins has too much much talent for the Timberwolves to move on from him. They’re also paying him a hefty salary.
A motivated and improved Andrew Wiggins on both ends of the basketball could change the climate of the Timberwolves going forward. It could propel them toward becoming a top team in the Western Conference, but if he’s the same guy he’s been, it’s likely he’ll be a big reason Minnesota’s season is over early next year as well. Accountability may be the first step.