Golden State Warriors swingman Andrew Wiggins is not going to let his detractors bring him down.

Noted ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith had a recent rant about Wiggins in which he said he would trade the former No. 1 overall pick for “cookies.” Wiggins said Thursday he is unbothered by criticism or praise, instead choosing to take it all in stride:

“There's always going to be people that are going to say negative things, constructive criticism or not,” Wiggins said, via Mark Medina of USA TODAY. “Some things are positive. Some things are negative. But I'm going to keep pushing either way.”

Smith's criticism stemmed from his belief that Wiggins lacks the work ethic to maximize his full potential. He said the Warriors swingman has the talent, but has far too many misses over the course of a full season.

Article Continues Below
More Warriors News
Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (23) walk off the court after game seven of the first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center
Why Warriors’ Stephen Curry won’t follow in Draymond Green’s podcast footstepsJosue Pavon ·
Mavericks guard Klay Thompson (31) hugs Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) after a game at the Chase Center
Warriors’ Draymond Green relives Klay Thompson’s epic Game 6 vs. ThunderJosue Pavon ·
Klay Thompson with his dog Rocco.
Klay Thompson’s beloved dog Rocco passes away at 13Kenzo Fukuda ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) holds onto the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images
Mavericks ‘blueprint’ cited for Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga trade strategyJake Faigus ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Warriors rumors: 1 major complication for Jonathan Kuminga trade scenariosJulian Ojeda ·
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) stands on the court before a play against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during game four of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center.
Nets rumors: ‘Current expectation’ on Jonathan Kuminga offer sheet comes with trade twistZachary Weinberger ·

The comments came after Wiggins experienced a poor shooting night for the Warriors in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday.

Wiggins shot just 3-for-11 from the field, including 0-for-4 from beyond the arc. He was -35 in terms of plus-minus as the Mavs routed the Warriors by 30 points.

It is hard to assess Wiggins' impact this season. He is averaging 17.9 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.4 assists with career-highs in field goal percentage (.469) and three-point percentage (.377). The 26-year-old has had the look of a viable scoring option for Golden State. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr also said earlier this month he was pleased with Wiggins' growth as an on-ball defender.

Wiggins might not ever live up to the hype that preceded him prior to going No. 1 overall in the 2014 NBA draft. But he still has the makings of a productive NBA player.