5 roster moves the Oklahoma City Thunder need to make this offseason

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Derrick Favors #15, Luguentz Dort #5, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2, Darius Bazley #7 and Kenrich Williams #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder react during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

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Mar 26, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins (21) drives to the basket against the Denver Nuggets in the second half at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Offseason moves the Oklahoma City Thunder need to make: 3. Guarantee Aaron Wiggins

One of the keys to a successful rebuild is to identify talent. Not just in the first round of the draft, but also in the second round or even undrafted guys. Aaron Wiggins was taken with the 55th pick in the 2021 NBA draft and then signed to a two-way deal by the Thunder.

Well, it took until the month of February, but the Thunder decided to reward Wiggins with a full deal because of the way that he played. As a low second-round pick, Wiggins played his way into the rotation averaging 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 0.6 steals in 24.2 minutes per game. He even started 35 of the 50 games that he played in.

The situation the Thunder provides is a blessing for young players who are looking to make a place for themselves in the league. With nothing to lose, they allowed Wiggins more latitude than a lot of rookies would receive, and he repaid their faith.

Wiggins had four games where he scored 20 or more points and 16 games where he scored in double figures. He is not just about scoring though, as Wiggins had five rebounds or more in 16 games, 10 games with three assists or more, and six games with two steals. Not a bad start for the 55th pick in the draft.

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