Andrew Wiggins has been an essential piece of the Golden State Warriors puzzle over the last five years, and without Klay Thompson, they will need him more than ever.
When Wiggins was at his best during the 2021-22 season, he made the All-Star team, and they won the championship. While taking some time off for personal matters and not playing up to par for much of the last two years, the Warriors have struggled.
"More than I did last year for sure," said Wiggins when asked if he needs to score more this season. "I have been working hard this summer trying to put myself in the best possible position to do well."
An individual goal for Wiggins this season is to "be more efficient than last year." From 2023 to 2024, his field goal percentage dropped by 20 percent, and his three-point shooting fell nearly 40 percent. Prior to that, he had improved his deep ball efficiency for four straight campaigns in Golden State.
Returning to being an All-Star caliber player would be massive for the Warriors. Several candidates could step up and become the second scorer next to Steph Curry, but Wiggins is the only one who has proven he can do it before.
Golden State will host the All-Star game this year, and Wiggins was asked on media day if making the team is a goal of his this season.
"I am going to strive for that, work hard, and do what I can to hopefully get there, but I just got to stay constant and be on it," said Wiggins.
He has the talent and opportunity to make it happen, and at 29 years old, Wiggins still has a lot left in the tank. He sees one big if, however, that has to happen for his name to be considered. In order to be selected to the All-Star team, "we have to win."
MORE WARRIORS NEWS
