Each week sports reporters Matthew Lambert and Sam Thiel will face off on a hot topic in Minnesota sports. The world of sports is changing quickly and constantly, but we want to slow it down and take a better look at the juiciest gossip, scandal, rumor or issue that is making headlines this week in Minnesota. Lambert and Thiel will take different sides and battle it out, telling you why they are right.
This week’s topic: Is Andrew Wiggins doing enough for Minnesota?
Last week, Andrew Wiggins recorded his worst game in two months, scoring seven points in a loss to the Clippers. This week, Matthew Lambert and Sam Thiel voice their opinions about whether or not Wiggins is a quality player for the Timberwolves. Let’s talk about it… (Recap by Sam Thiel)
Matthew Lambert / Winonan
When the Timberwolves traded for Andrew Wiggins, after months of a dramatic saga involving now dumpster fire Kevin Love, I was elated.
We received the prodigal son, the next Kevin Garnett for the franchise.
So why do I feel like Wiggins isn’t the second coming of Michael Jordan?
This is an important concern, since the Timberwolves haven’t been relevant this relevant since KG’s last season in Minnesota.
Wiggins, and rookie Karl-Anthony Towns, are the focal points of the final rebuilding process.
If you look at Wiggins stats this season, there should be concern. Wiggins’ 3-point percentage, free-throw percentage, rebounds and steals are down, compared to his rookie season.
In my opinion, it’s time to abandon any sort of faith in Wiggins being the savior. It’s time to shift our attention to Towns.
Wiggins is currently averaging 16 shots per game, whereas Towns is averaging 14. Wiggins averages more shots than Jimmy Butler, Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry and Kawhi Leonard.
Besides, every championship needs that go-to tandem. Scottie Pippen to Michael Jordan, Dwayne Wade to LeBron James, Klay Thompson to Steph Curry, etc.
Wiggins needs to become the second banana in order for the T-Wolves to become even a relevant playoff contender.
Sam Thiel / Winonan
I have watched the Timberwolves for many years. I have seen them be close to the Finals and be the league’s worst team.
Now I am watching a team highlighted by three players under the age of 21, and I could not be more excited. Karl-Anthony Towns is winning the Rookie of the Year and Zach LaVine is defending Dunk Contests titles.
Then there is Andrew Wiggins on the court, almost non-existent amidst the headlines taken by Towns and LaVine; like the third wheel on a date.
So why is Wiggins not getting enough credit?
Sure, the majority of his stats are down from his first year in the league when he won Rookie of the Year, but Wiggins is still averaging 20.5 points per game and is shooting 45 percent from the field. He has played 2,599 minutes this season, 22nd-most in the NBA and 471 minutes more than the next Timberwolves player.
Wiggins has also shown up for the Wolves as of late, recording nine games of 20 points or higher in the month of March, including a 32-point outburst against the Suns on March 28. Wiggins shot 17-of-21 from the free throw line that game, which helps his case of being clutch in the late moments.
Wiggins is a star-caliber player and should not be taken for granted, especially since teams like Cleveland thought he was the next LeBron James.
