The Andrew Wiggins Thread

[Mattya]

Thibodeau gave the impression that there's a long way to go for the Wolves, even if his players talk positively about their improvement. He's also paying a lot of attention to Andrew Wiggins, who two seasons ago was the league's rookie of the year. In many ways, Wiggins holds the key for the long-range upside of the Wolves. Towns, last season's ROY, has the look of a budding All-Star, perhaps the most exciting young player in the league. Young wing Zach LaVine quietly had an outstanding second half last season, especially shooting from long range. There's a lot of excitement over rookie point guard Kris Dunn, who had a promising summer league.

But the team needs Wiggins to grow into his potential, to be heading into the conversation for All-Star and All-NBA teams starting now. Going into his third season, this is the time when he should be taking large leaps forward. Thibodeau is spending extra time with him, watching him work on individual drills after practice and giving special instruction.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17709030/nba-tim-thibodeau-ready-reshape-minnesota-timberwolves

[Killboard]

Thibodeau gave the impression that there's a long way to go for the Wolves, even if his players talk positively about their improvement. He's also paying a lot of attention to Andrew Wiggins, who two seasons ago was the league's rookie of the year. In many ways, Wiggins holds the key for the long-range upside of the Wolves. Towns, last season's ROY, has the look of a budding All-Star, perhaps the most exciting young player in the league. Young wing Zach LaVine quietly had an outstanding second half last season, especially shooting from long range. There's a lot of excitement over rookie point guard Kris Dunn, who had a promising summer league.

But the team needs Wiggins to grow into his potential, to be heading into the conversation for All-Star and All-NBA teams starting now. Going into his third season, this is the time when he should be taking large leaps forward. Thibodeau is spending extra time with him, watching him work on individual drills after practice and giving special instruction.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/17709030/nba-tim-thibodeau-ready-reshape-minnesota-timberwolves

It makes sense. Wiggins is probably the player with most untapped potential in the roster. Lavine could be considered in his own right, but given the expectations everybody had going in the 2014 draft, Wiggins needs to be a dominant force and not only a good young player.

Nobody would ask to him to be an all star by his first or second season, but definetly he would be one by the end of his rookie contract, and this season is the key. He must start to be dominant in other aspect of the game beside scoring to be considered one generational talent like we all want him to be. Specially rebounding, shooting 3's and defensive rotations.

[vagelis]

“I’m constantly challenging him and throwing Michael Jordan clips in his face because that’s the level we want to reach,” Hanlen said. “I think that he has capabilities that not many people have, and we’re going to keep striving to make those things happen.”

“When his shot is falling, nobody can guard him,” Hanlen said. “So, that’s our first priority. After that, we’re going to tighten his ball handling so he can become more versatile. We know that he’s already tough to cover in the post — where teams have to double-team him — but if he has that ball handling and isolation capability, now he’s versatile from every spot on the floor, and he really can’t be stopped.”

http://blog.eastbay.com/sports/basketball/dynamic-duo-inside-andrew-wiggins-relationship-trainer/

Drew Hanlen talks about Andrew Wiggins

[Nitroglycerin]

I actually dont mind Wiggins not stat stuffing. Dieng,Towns and even Rubio can handle the rebounding. And Wiggins has one of the best second jump in the league which he usually does for Offensive rebounds/putbacks.

What I do hope he improves is his all aroubd defense. That would make him a legir star

[minimus]

I actually dont mind Wiggins not stat stuffing. Dieng,Towns and even Rubio can handle the rebounding. And Wiggins has one of the best second jump in the league which he usually does for Offensive rebounds/putbacks.

What I do hope he improves is his all aroubd defense. That would make him a legir star

Defensive rebounds are huge part of the defense. We don't have an exceptional rebounder in our roster to cover Wiggins rebounding woes. Also good defensive rebounders at wings allow us to use small ball lineups. 2-3 rebounds are unacceptable for guy with his athletic abilities.

[packforfreedom]

Last year, Wiggins was our primary fast break player (at least till Zach made the lineup) and often leaked out as soon as the ball touched the rim.

[Klomp]

Read on Twitter

[southern wolf]

I'm glad Thibs isn't getting too carried away with the outside hype. I think Wolves fans might be disappointed if they're hoping to break the playoff drought this season.

[juju14]

I'm glad Thibs isn't getting too carried away with the outside hype. I think Wolves fans might be disappointed if they're hoping to break the playoff drought this season.

Its preseason in a new system calm down.

[southern wolf]

I'm glad Thibs isn't getting too carried away with the outside hype. I think Wolves fans might be disappointed if they're hoping to break the playoff drought this season.

Its preseason in a new system calm down.

I'm not talking about pre season games, just the hype around the team in general.

[juju14]

I'm glad Thibs isn't getting too carried away with the outside hype. I think Wolves fans might be disappointed if they're hoping to break the playoff drought this season.

Its preseason in a new system calm down.

I'm not talking about pre season games, just the hype around the team in general.

They will make the playoffs barring injury.

[Devilzsidewalk]

Its preseason in a new system calm down.

I'm not talking about pre season games, just the hype around the team in general.

They will make the playoffs barring injury.

Sounds optimistic on the surface, but really when you look at it - Warriors/Clippers/Spurs are really the only teams that I think are clearly in a higher class than the Wolves as of right now. Second tier is probably Jazz/Rockets/Blazers/Thunder/Mavs/Grizzlies - maybe they'll fall on their ass, but as of right now, I feel like the Wolves should be able to compete with that group.

[Klomp]

I'm not talking about pre season games, just the hype around the team in general.

They will make the playoffs barring injury.

Sounds optimistic on the surface, but really when you look at it - Warriors/Clippers/Spurs are really the only teams that I think are clearly in a higher class than the Wolves as of right now. Second tier is probably Jazz/Rockets/Blazers/Thunder/Mavs/Grizzlies - maybe they'll fall on their ass, but as of right now, I feel like the Wolves should be able to compete with that group.

But that's also the point those tempering expectations are trying to make. We are competing with 6 other teams for 5 playoff spots....yet so many people talk about us as a guaranteed lock for the playoffs. Only three fan bases in the West should talk about their team in such absolutes, and we're not one of those three teams.

[minimus]

Agree, nothing guaranted yet. It should be non stop process of working on chemistry and individual skills.

[Tirion]

**** tempering expectations, we're fans, there are legit reasons to be excited, so we're gonna be.

[Klomp]

**** tempering expectations, we're fans, there are legit reasons to be excited, so we're gonna be.

There's a major difference between the excitement over the possibility of something happening and expecting that something to happen.

[PharmD]

Holy **** that's some awful form on the clean and press. Personal training is a joke.

[packforfreedom]

most of the forms look questionable at best. But hey, he's got a vest!!!

[vagelis]

It is obvious that he has worked his arms.
He was a kid and and he is growing to a man.
This year Wiggins and Lavine may make a big step forward.
They have worked a lot in the off-season and this will be their third year.

[Movics]

Damn, he looks higher than Ingram