With the Minnesota Timberwolves looking to bounce back from a rather forgettable season, a lot of pressure will be riding on the shoulders of former first overall pick Andrew Wiggins.
Timberwolves head coach Ryan Saunders appears to have added some more pressure on the 24-year-old, saying the team's success will heavily rely on how Wiggins performs not only this coming season, but into the future:
Ryan Saunders today on Andrew Wiggins:
“For us to be a good basketball team, and to really be sustainably successful, we need Andrew to take a big leap.”
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) August 30, 2019
Wiggins had a so-so campaign last season, averaging 18.1 points (on 41.2 percent shooting), 4.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 34.8 minutes per contest. While his overall efficiency dropped (he is a career 44.0 percent shooter), the 6-foot-8 small forward increased his output from beyond the arc by draining a career-high 1.6 3-pointers per contest, albeit on a mediocre 33.9 percent clip.
In truth, Wiggins' numbers are not that bad. However, the problem is that many believe he has yet to reach his full potential. He was one of the most promising prospects of his generation, but with already five seasons under his belt, most will argue that he has left much to be desired at this point in his career.
It is also worth noting that Minnesota is committed to Wiggins for the long haul, with the former Kansas standout entering just the second season of his five-year max deal with the team. The Timberwolves put a lot of their eggs in the Wiggins basket, and much like Saunders said, the future of the entire franchise will be heavily dictated by the progress of one Andrew Wiggins.
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