After the Golden State Warriors' tilt against the Dallas Mavericks on January 5, Draymond Green sustained an unfortunate back injury that caused him to miss two months. When Green returned on March 14, he was able to suit up with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for the first time in 1,005 days. That did not last long as Stephen Curry will miss the next two weeks at the very least for the Warriors. With the massive effect of missing Curry, Andrew Wiggins' usage rate will increase immensely, and he must step up.

Surprisingly, Wiggins was an All-Star starter for this season, but he has been underwhelming since the All-Star break. The aggressiveness in attacking the cup has drastically dropped as his shooting percentages have dropped along with his free throw percentage. The reason for the uptick in his three-point percentage early in the season was due to defenses preventing him from slashing, but he has only hit the 20-point plateau once since the break. The challenge remains tough, but Wiggins must be ready for it.

Andrew Wiggins must return to All-Star self without Stephen Curry

Poole, Thompson need the scoring support

For the last eight games of Golden State, Jordan Poole has been spectacular as he has scored 20+ points and splashing home 36 threes in this span. However, that has only resulted to only a 4-4 record in this stretch because of numerous injuries surrounding the Warriors and the lack of consistent support. One of the ones that need to raise his scoring output is Wiggins, so defenses would not tighten up too much on Poole.

Thompson is still slowly recovering from torn ACL and torn Achilles injuries, but he has had spurts wherein he is scorching hot already. The problem is he cannot be relied upon as the main scorer for a championship contending squad. As Thompson is continuously searching for his rhythm before the end of the regular season, Wiggins must have that willingness similar to his Minnesota Timberwolves tenure and exude the admirable confidence in his scoring prowess. The talent is no joke, but Wiggins must improve on having contrasting styles in confusing the defensive strategies of their opponents.

Andrew Wiggins must defend best perimeter player every night

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As Thompson and Andre Iguodala were usually the ones tasked to defend the primary option in the previous iterations of the Warriors, Wiggins is the individual that would likely stick to the likes of LeBron James or Luka Doncic in a seven-game series. As a two-way menace, it would lighten the load for Thompson to knock it down from long distance and still possess that energy on the offensive side of the floor.

There is no doubt that Draymond Green is coach Steve Kerr's best defender, but he is better utilized as a help defender and rim protector. When Wiggins or Thompson get blown by, Green and Kevon Looney are there to aid them and force a tough shot or turnover. The Warriors have dropped to third in defensive rating despite being first for majority of the season, but one cannot deny they are still capable to ascend once again in preparation for the NBA Playoffs.

Momentum is a must heading to April

With Curry's unfortunate injury, the Warriors could slide down to the third seed and go against the squad of reigning MVP Nikola Jokic. Additionally, there is a likely chance for Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. to even suit up for that series. With that in mind, the inconsistency of Golden State since January cannot continue in a seven-game series wherein Jokic will pounce on any game that the Warriors looked relaxed and just going through the motions.

Wiggins is a X-Factor who could swing the tide in a series because of his ability to score 30 points but suddenly drop to eight markers in consecutive games. The shooting could be misfiring, but he must always put his head down because his vertical and finishing at the rim is at an exceptional level. Increasing his free throw percentage to around 75% would be fantastic for Kerr and the Warriors as he would be a threat for defenders to not help on the corner when Poole and Thompson are ready to chuck it up.

Momentum is not only vital offensively, but it is an enormous necessity defensively as well. The Boston Celtics are one example as their communication and chemistry defensively are unquestionably the best in the NBA. The Warriors are definitely capable to do the same with the personnel on their squad as Andrew Wiggins is one of the most important factors in making sure the engine is working tremendously, especially as Curry continues to recover on the sidelines.