One of the main criticisms regarding Golden State Warriors' Andrew Wiggins in the early part of his career was the lack of effort he displayed for a player with as much talent as him. Wiggins is an explosive athlete, great scorer, and capable defender, yet during his days with the Timberwolves, many felt he would sometimes get a bit lazy. That seems to have changed following his trade to the Warriors, as Wiggins can be seen playing with much more energy now that he's in the Bay. Speaking via SiriusXM NBA Radio on Wednesday, Wiggins opened up on how playing for a title contender like the Warriors has helped motivate him.

When asked if it was more fun to come to work as a member of the Warriors with “all this stuff at stake,” Wiggins opened up on his level of motivation.

Article Continues Below
More Warriors News
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga (00) dribbles upcourt against the San Antonio Spurs in the second period at Chase Center.
Warriors rumors: Jonathan Kuminga free agency hit with harsh reality from InsiderJulian Ojeda ·
LeBron James, Stephen (Steph) Curry, who may be heading to an ESPN NBA broadcasting booth after they retire, after Lakers-Warriors game on December 25, 2024.
ESPN has ‘hopeful’ LeBron James, Stephen Curry wishAndrew Korpan ·
Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles past Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the third quarter at the Chase Center with Richard Jefferson in the background
Richard Jefferson drops Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Stephen Curry takeJosue Pavon ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half at Crypto.com Arena.
Warriors’ Draymond Green disagrees with LeBron James’ radical playoff ideaMalik Brown ·
Houston Cougars guard LJ Cryer (4) during team introductions before the game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at United Supermarkets Arena.
Warriors work out champion who shot 41.3 percent from 3-point landDavid Yapkowitz ·
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) meet after the game at the Chase Center.
Why Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski doesn’t want a Giannis Antetokoumpo tradeZachary Howell ·

“100 percent, 100 percent. You know, it's something you're looking forward to, we're building up to. We make some mistakes now that we know we have to correct in order to win down the line, and all that is so important… It keeps you wanting to get better, it keeps you wanting to come to work every day and keep working hard to make that dream come true,” said Wiggins.

Wiggins didn't even hesitate to deny that playing for a contender makes being an NBA player more fun. And why wouldn't it? The ultimate goal of every NBA player is to win a championship, and being in a position to do so early on in your career could be one of the most rewarding experiences a player can have. Wiggins has experienced the lows of playing for a struggling team, but now that he's with a potential title contender, he's feeling more locked in than ever before.