After a disappointing performance in the NBA Finals, his team is now down 3-1. But on paper, there’s no way they’re out of this series and are likely to contend for another championship run next year.
The “under the radar meaning” is a term that describes an athlete who does not receive much attention, but still has a lot of talent. The “Andrew Wiggins Has Quietly Become an Under-the-Radar Difference Maker Who Has a Chance to Swing the NBA Title in the Golden State Warriors’ Favor.”
Stephen Curry has been the center of attention for the Golden State Warriors, and properly so as he approaches Ray Allen’s all-time 3-point field goal record. Andrew Wiggins, on the other hand, is quietly becoming an important part of the Warriors’ lineup, one that might make an unexpectedly big impact in Golden State’s quest for another championship.
Wiggins has recently been playing some of his greatest basketball of his career. If he maintains his current form and contributes to the Warriors’ already potent offense, Irene may have to bid farewell to the NBA for the time being.
Andrew Wiggins has failed to live up to the lofty expectations that come with being the first overall choice.
“It’s difficult not to like Andrew Wiggins,” Kerr says. His colleagues adore him because he is so easy to train. With this set of individuals, he’s found a good niche.”
December 7, 2021 — Kerith Burke (@KerithBurke)
Coming into the NBA, Wiggins had the credentials of a superstar. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected him first overall in 2014. However, LeBron James’ return to Cleveland sent the Canadian winger packing and to Minnesota in exchange for Kevin Love.
Wiggins was the top recruit in the 2013 class and only played one season of collegiate basketball at Kansas. According to Sports Reference, the 6-foot-8 18-year-old started all 35 games for a Jayhawks team that won the Big 12.
After averaging 16.9 points and 4.6 rebounds with the Timberwolves in 2014-15, Maple Jordan was named NBA Rookie of the Year. In the next two seasons, he raised his averages to 20.7 and 23.6, but they plummeted after that.
He was never a good shooter on the floor or from long range. Wiggins seemed to be squandering his amazing athleticism and natural skills by being a passive spectator, according to the eye test.
Things started to change when the Warriors acquired the then-24-year-old during the 2019-20 season, and they have continued to evolve this year.
This season, Wiggins has blossomed into a major member of the NBA’s top squad.
In the first quarter of an NBA Play-In Tournament game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors celebrates a basket with Andrew Wiggins. | Getty Images/Lachlan Cunningham
Despite being in his seventh season in the NBA, it’s easy to forget that Wiggins is still just 26 years old.
The Huntington Prep product has been prospering since joining the Warriors and being surrounded by a much superior supporting cast than he had in Minnesota.
Since arriving at Golden State, Wiggins has started every game (every game in his NBA career, actually). Although his scoring has decreased, his shooting efficiency has improved.
Wiggs is averaging 18.4 points per game on 14.0 attempts each night this season, his lowest output since his freshman season. However, he’s shooting a career-high 48.9% from the field and 40.4 percent from three-point range.
Wiggins is the team’s second-leading scorer, behind only Steph, but he’s stepped up his game in the last month. Mr. Fantastic has shot 51.2 percent from the field and 46.3 percent from deep on 5.3 attempts in his previous 15 games.
He averages 28.7 points per game and 48 minutes each game.
Wiggins is prospering as a lesser-used player next to Curry, one of the greatest shooters and playmakers of all time, and it’s helping the team win.
In a title run, the Warriors forward might be a game-changer.
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Curry is the MVP frontrunner this season and the Dubs’ driving force. Klay Thompson is anticipated to return in the near future. Jordan Poole is enjoying a breakthrough season.
Wiggins, on the other hand, could make or break a playoff series, or perhaps a Finals series, for a club with championship hopes.
“The thing about playing on this team is that when you play with somebody like Steph and Draymond, they’ll bring you open shots and excellent looks,” he told NBC Sports. “This is the most open look I’ve ever received in my career.”
If he continues to hit open shots and offer tertiary output alongside Curry and Thompson — or if Thompson suffers upon his return and Wiggins maintains his present level of productivity — the Warriors’ chances of winning their fourth championship since 2015 improve significantly.
All statistics, unless otherwise specified, courtesy of NBA.com.
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