NBA: 10 candidates for a bounce-back season in 2018-19
7. Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves
The Jimmy Butler situation is bound to work itself out in the form of a trade at some point in the near future, and when it finally happens, the pressure will be on Andrew Wiggins to step his game back up. After last year, he needs to prove he hasn’t already reached his ceiling as a one-dimensional scorer with no 3-point shot or wing defense to speak of.
From the concerns over his work ethic to a reportedly rocky relationship with Butler, it’s no secret the arrival of one of Tom Thibodeau’s favorite pupils had an adverse effect on Wiggins. Last year, he saw his numbers drop from a career-high 23.6 points per game on .452/.356/.760 shooting splits in 2016-17 to 17.7 points per game on .438/.331/.643 shooting.
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With or without Butler, the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ potential is capped out if Wiggins never adds anything to his game. Even if Karl-Anthony Towns becomes an absolute two-way monster, Wiggins is the quintessential piece that needs to prove he can still be this team’s wing of the future — and not just because of his unmovable contract.