With Jabari Parker out for the season, Andrew Wiggins easily moves into the top spot as the favorite for rookie of the year.
He is currently leading all first year players in scoring, but has struggled in some other important areas of his game. His player efficiency rating is still in single digits, he has been less than impressive shooting three-pointers, and he doesn’t take nearly enough shots considering his position.
However, like the great ones do, he seemed to have saved one of the best performances of his young career for when it mattered most. The nineteen-year-old small forward went off for 27 points (2 below his season high) against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team who drafted him number one overall in last year’s draft, then added an exclamation point to his statement by dunking over Kevin Love, the player they traded him for before the season began.
Yes, the Timberwolves and Wiggins did eventually lose the game to Love and the Cavs, but not before the rookie had a chance to show off the tenacity, athleticism, and superstar potential that made him the top pick.
The kid, who has shined defensively while having to guard some of the league’s toughest scorers, was paid one of the highest compliments you could receive from Kobe Bryant on the night he passed Michael Jordan for third on the all-time scoring list.
“It’s like looking at a reflection of myself 19 years ago,” Bryant said.
That is high praise from a player who will be remembered as one of the greats, and the compliment obvious made an impact on the humble, yet determined first-year player.
“When I heard it I was motivated, instantly. Motivation to my ears. Forces me to grind harder. Approach the game differently. That’s a legend. I witnessed a legendary moment. A legend told me I was a reflection to him, that’s just big words for me.” Wiggins responded.
It’s that motivation and grinding that gives the young player the potential to carve his own name in the history of the NBA.
After hearing those words, Wiggins immediately went into a mini-slump before breaking out against the Cavs on Tuesday.
“I want to see continued bounce off good performances. He listens. Sometimes, he’s almost too coachable, too nice. He wants to do the right thing. He’s got to continue to get better.” Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders said.
There is no mistake the youngster is very raw, and has a long ways to go before he is mentioned in the same breath as Love for any reason other than the trade, but the most telling sign to me of the superstars respect for the rookie was the fact that he didn’t even pretend to make an effort to stop Wiggins dunk.
“Signs of greatness. Just got to get that killer instinct in him,” Timberwolves forward Thaddeus Young said. “Right now, he’s still kind of in his shell a little bit. But he’s slowly coming around. He’s doing very well, each and every day.”
Wiggins is very athletic, and his long arms and footwork have already started to have an effect on the rest of the league, but it just might be his confidence, and the chip he carries quietly on his shoulder, that will lead him to greatness.
He may still have a long season and career ahead of him, but so far my vote and confidence for biggest impact from a player from this year’s draft has to be for Andrew Wiggins.
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