It’s not just about talent all the time.

Sometimes your situation ultimately determines how successful you’ll end up being. Sure, there’s
examples of individuals overcoming ideal situations such as Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and the list
goes on and on.

Unfortunately, everyone can’t be a once in a generation talent. Although back in 2014, Andrew Wiggins
was viewed in that light.

Unfair?

Anytime you compare an 18-year-old to the greatest two players in history it’s unfair. I’m looking at Zion
Williamson right now.

However, it’s the society we live in.

You probably forgot Wiggins won Rookie of the Year dropping 16.9 points per game. The following
season ended at 20.7 on 46 percent shooting and in year three, the former Kansas standout poured in
23.6 points per night.

To a fault, we’re always looking for the next big thing. Look at the NFL right now and all the Lamar
Jackson hype. Analysts and fans alike are discussing how he’s revolutionizing the game. Just a year ago,
similar things were being said about Patrick Mahomes.

See?

Instant gratification.

After year three of the Wiggins experiment, then head coach Tom Thibodeau got impatient. Thibs
orchestrated a deal that brought in a familiar face in Jimmy Butler. At the time, it made sense from an
organizational perspective considering the Timberwolves owned the longest playoff drought in the
association.

It was an obvious win-now move.

Minnesota went on to make the playoffs just to lose in five games to the Houston Rockets. Was it worth
it?

Absolutely not.

Not only did Thibs bring in Butler. Former Bulls Derrick Rose and Taj Gibson also joined their former
coach in the Twin Cities. These moves dramatically hindered Wiggins from maximizing his potential.

Not to rip the former Bulls because they’re good players, but that’s part of the problem. Butler and Rose
specifically felt empowered playing under a coach they’re familiar with, which left Wiggins out to dry.

Literally.

The 6-foot-8 swingman was instantly turned into a spot up shooter as he stood and watched Butler’s
usage rate climb. Wiggins is one of those guys that needs to feel the ball throughout a game and just not
to shoot. It helps keep him engaged not only on the offensive end, but on the defensive side as well.
More importantly, Wiggins wants someone in charge that truly believes in his ability and that simply
wasn’t the case with Thibodeau.

Just ask yourself this, what player do you know that has peaked at 21-years-old?

The answer is no one.

Wiggins went from scoring 23 a night on 45 percent shooting to roughly 18 on 42 percent the past two
seasons. Now, with current head coach Ryan Saunders in charge we’re starting to see what’s always
been inside of Wiggins.

Saunders has been a mainstay within the organization well before Andrew Wiggins was drafted, so he
understands what it takes to unlock Wiggins’ full potential. We’re nearly a quarter into the season and
Wiggins is posting career-highs in points (25.2), rebounds (5.2), assists (3.4), blocks (1.1), and field goal
percentage (47%).

Sometimes all it takes is one person to empower you to reach that next level. Wiggins is here to stay, so
get used to it.