[ad_1]
Andrew Wiggins is soft-spoken. The way he behaves is almost stoic – never seeming to run too hot or too cold.
That’s why the burning question for him following the Warriors’ 130-108 victory over his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, was about his emotions during the game.
Was there any extra juice there because he was going against the team he played with for six years? As expected, Wiggins’ response was extremely balanced. But, then, he followed it up by offering the clearest assessment regarding his former team and playing for the Warriors.
“[The Warriors] are a championship team, “Wiggins told reporters after the game.” It’s very positive here. Everyone gets along. No ego, none of that. Everyone just wants to win. It’s a winning attitude, a winning culture, it’s all about winning. And we all want to improve. Everyone is lifting up, cheering each other on, so it’s love here. “
Wiggins has said Golden State is a franchise he could see himself ending his career with. And that is in part due to the fit he has within the team. The Timberwolves needed Wiggins to be the next Kevin Love – to put the franchise on his shoulders. But with the Warriors, he plays alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green. We don’t count on him to be the top scorer.
And when Klay Thompson returns, he won’t even have to be the tertiary goalscorer.
“Andrew has filled a role here that was desperately needed,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “Totally different role from what Minnesota asked of him. I always say that there are maybe 10 or 15 players in the league who determine the circumstances of a team. The other 450 are victims or people who excel depending on their situation. So I think with Andrew our circumstances are perfect.
So far this season, Wiggins has been the epitome of consistency – something he didn’t have in Minnesota. His 23 points and six rebounds on Monday night were the latest proof. Wiggins has scored at least 15 points in all but three games so far this year. But that’s not just his offense.
Wiggins also made a clear effort to play solid defense every night. Against the Wolves, Wiggins finished with three blocks and three interceptions and knocked out Minnesota’s Malik Beasley in the fourth quarter to help secure the Warriors victory.
His defensive prowess is why his teammates and coaches started calling him “Two-way Wiggs”.
“He’s really competing in that sense,” said Draymond Green. “Since he’s been here he’s shown he’s a very capable defender. He’s done a few notches this year, which has been great for us. He’s really changing the game there for us.”
Wiggins is now sixth in the league in blocks behind five crosses. According to Kerr, Wiggins’ goal is to set up All-Defensive team numbers. Whether or not he makes the team, they want to see him in this conversation.
“He’s incredibly athletic and has long limbs and I think he’s doing a really good job taking on the role that we’ve asked him to do,” Kerr said. “We talked over the summer about his status as a member of the All-Defensive Team and I don’t know if that will happen. I think he absolutely should be considered.
“The numbers are going to show up for him. The bottom line for us is that he gives us the length, athleticism and energy we desperately need on the wing. He does a hell of a job.”
RELATED: How Clashes With Little T-Wolves Benefit Kerr, Warriors
Having a consistent player like Wiggins on a Warriors squad who has played with anything but consistency in the first 17 games is a key foundational piece for the team. As they develop young players and build chemistry in a squad that hasn’t had a lot of time playing together, having a guy who gives you the same thing every night is heartwarming.
Wiggins built a new identity for himself at Golden State – one he couldn’t have in Minnesota. And because of that, he sees a bright future for himself and this team. So much so that he sees her as the team with which he wants to carry out the rest of his career.
“I would love to,” Wiggins said. “It’s a great organization. They treat me with love and respect here. Treat my family well. So I don’t see why? I would love to.”
Download and subscribe to the Dubs Talk podcast
[ad_2]
Source link