Since his early days in high school Andrew Wiggins had some lofty expectations. By the time he was a senior he was often compared to LeBron James and Tracy McGrady. He was also the undisputed top recruit in the nation. And while his freshman campaign at Kansas was a little disappointing compared to the expectations set for him, he was quietly one of the best players in the nation. In his one and only year at Kansas he averaged 17 points, six rebounds, and almost two assists per game. While none of these stats really jump of the page, his out of this world athleticism and limitless potential was on clear display.
After an up and down season in terms of draft projection, Wiggins entered the draft unclear of where he would go. But once former Jayhawk Joel Embiid went down with a serious back injury, Wiggins was once again vaulted to the top of draft projections. And just like that, Wiggins was selected first overall in the 2014 draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wiggins joined an extremely young and talented roster and seemed to be in the ideal position. But then, the extraordinary happened, LeBron signed with the Cavaliers in the off season, pairing up the young rookie to the player he had been compared too all his life. Wiggins was in the perfect position. He was on a young and talented up and coming team and could be mentored by one of the all time greats.
But the Cavaliers weren't satisfied. They were tirelessly pursuing Kevin Love and finally offered a deal the Timberwolves couldn't refuse. Wiggins as well as Anthony Bennett and a first round draft pick were traded in return for Love. Wiggins went from one of the top Eastern Conference team to a struggling franchise that just traded away their best player. Wiggins immediately became one of the best players on a bad team and will now have to learn on the fly.
As bleak and disappointing as it may seem for Wiggins, not all is lost. The Timberwolves do have some talented young pieces. Fellow rookie teammate Zach Lavine is an athletic freak of a guard. And while he may be a bit raw, he has very high potential. The Timberwolves also have a talented distributor in Ricky Rubio. If Rubio can develop a consistent jump shot he could really emerge as an elite point guard.
Still, he is one of the best passers in the NBA and he and Wiggins should develop some good chemistry. Gorgui Dieng had an excellent couple of months as a rookie and should see an increase in playing time with the loss of Love. In the last two months of the season Dieng averaged 10 points and 10 rebounds. He flashed enough potential throughout the season to get some serious looks this season. Finally, Anthony Bennett, the number one overall pick just a year ago will join Wiggins in Minnesota.
While Wiggins surrounding talent won't be nearly as good as the likes of LeBron and Kyrie Irving, it will give Wiggins a chance to shine as a starter. Its likely Wiggins would've been the backup to LeBron, but in Minnesota he should have a perfect opportunity to start right away. In addition, with less media attention and a smaller market, Wiggins won't be as scrutinized as a player, allowing him to grow freely.
The Timberwolves also have very little expectations, meaning that failure will be easily excepted by fans and the front office alike, giving Wiggins lesser expectations to have to live up to. Most importantly though, Wiggins will get every opportunity to take control of the team. He will instantly be the best defensive player and should be one of their top offensive weapons.
With Rubio manning the point, Kevin Martin stretching the floor, and combination of Dieng, Bennett, and Nikola Pekovic roaming the paint, Wiggins will have plenty of players to work with. While Cleveland might have provided Wiggins with an opportunity to learn under LeBron and compete immediately, Minnesota will let Wiggins play freely and get extensive playing time. No matter where he ended up, Wiggins has the athleticism and talent to succeed whereever he is. Now we just sit back and enjoy the show.