OKC Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 2019-20 team preview
Which Andrew Wiggins will show up?
At one point the narrative surrounding Andrew Wiggin’s lack of a motor could’ve been written off as throwaway comments by Jimmy Butler. However, since Butler left early last season and Thibs was fired 40 games in it’s hard to continue to blame others for his lack of ascent.
Last season the former Wolves player and coach for a period Sam Mitchell spoke about Wiggins stating he’s just not the type of player who takes to being yelled at. Mitchell went on to say if you sit down with him and go through film he’ll do whatever you ask of him and make the adjustments.
The problem is Wiggins is earning max money and entering his sixth season, so he either needs to raise his overall performance level or they’ll be a lot more negative comments coming his way. In another odd twist for whatever reason Wiggins’ motor and ability are both fully on display whenever he plays the OKC Thunder.
Playmakers and point guard position:
Veteran point guard Jeff Teague is more than capable of running a starting unit but much like Wiggins his motor and performance shifts in and out of games. At times he is a blur driving to the rim and either scoring easily or kicking the ball out to the perimeter. Then there are games where even with the ball in his hand you forget he’s on the court. That’s not a good thing!
The fact Rosas elected to make a trade to add defense over upgrading the point guard position speaks to where the franchise priorities lie. The issue with that decision is three players who could run the point left in free agency: Derrick Rose, Tyus Jones and Jerryd Bayless.
To offset those losses Rosas signed Shabazz Napier but this puts more pressure on Andrew Wiggins to help create for others on the court which again means he is under the spotlight as to the extras he can bring to the club. Regardless of what happens this year with the Wolves expect the point guard position to be one of emphasis either at the trade deadline or in the draft.