Coming into this year’s college basketball season all eyes were on Kansas freshman Andrew Wiggins. He was a celebrity from the moment he signed his letter of intent. Unfortunately he quickly saw the ugly side of being well known as hate mail from fans of other schools swiftly poured in through social media. Expectations were high for Wiggins. Maybe too high. Before he had played in a college basketball game he was being compared to LeBron James and Kevin Durant, comparisons he didn’t appreciate or find fair.
The beginning of the season started rough for Wiggins. It was pretty clear that folks had jumped the gun with their comparisons and that Wiggins was nowhere near LeBron or Durant’s level and might not even be the best freshman on his team much less in college basketball. Over time though, Wiggins got better and better and finally seemed to start living up to the hype he had generated.
Now that he has officially declared for the NBA draft ending his college career, I have broken down his potential as a professional in the NBA.
Strengths
Andrew Wiggins is freakishly athletic. The game comes so naturally to him sometimes it doesn’t appear like he’s even trying. His offensive game is fluid and so smooth that it’s almost impossible to stop him. His first step is so quick at times it appears as if he is gliding right by his defenders. He is able to elevate over the defender on his jump shot. Add the fact that he has a very quick release and you see why it’s such a high percentage shot. Also, he is a team player with great court vision and passing abilities. His long wingspan allows him to cause havoc on the defensive end resulting in deflections, blocks and steals.
Weaknesses
Andrew Wiggins has an uncanny ability to disappear in big moments. In his last game as a Jayhawk, he was just 1-6 finishing with four points leaving many wondering if the spotlight intimidates him. At times he looks complacent and uninterested. He seems to lack a killer instinct and his mental toughness as well as passion have both come into question. He plays with more finesse than power so he’s not very physical. His ball-handling skills need work and his three pointer needs to be more consistent. He only shot 34% from the three this season. His size and athleticism can be a shooter’s worst nightmare but at times he is just flat out lazy on the defensive end.
Overall
Overall whoever picks Wiggins is getting a gem. He has a ridiculous amount of potential to be a superstar in the NBA and will make whatever team picks him better.
