Andrew Wiggins made history Wednesday night, as his 30 points were the most ever by a player on his 20th birthday. He entered last night’s contest at Chicago leading all NBA rookies in scoring (15.6 ppg) and field goal percentage (.438) and minutes per game (34.7).
Just a few weeks ago, it seemed like the Chicago Bulls Nikola Mirotic was the favorite to win the NBA Rookie of the Year Award. Both Wiggins and the Wolves were struggling at the time.
Now, as the Minnesota Timberwolves have improved and Wiggins is looking like a guy who could actually be “making the leap” right now, we have a two horse race.
With Kevin Garnett returning to where his career began, the 2014-15 Minnesota Timberwolves season has new life. It wasn’t long ago that the T’Wolves had the worst record in the NBA. However, when point guard Ricky Rubio returned the team started to get it together, a little bit. They have come on stronger as of late, with Rubio acting as an efficient floor leader running the offense. Rubio is not really much of a scorer; he’s a distributor.
And Garnett, now in his 20th NBA season, isn’t the player he once was. However, he is a veteran presence, the proverbial “coach on the floor,” and a great mentor for the young TimberPups. He’s a winner and a leader.
“Speaking firsthand from my experience with him in Boston, it’s not just with the young guys but with the veterans too. it’s not only what he’s saying, it’s what he’s doing and the way he practices,” said Bulls Coach Tom Thibodeau about the presence that KG brings.
“Everything matters with Kevin, and what happens with that is it becomes contagious. When you watch the way he plays on offense and defense, it’s all about winning.”
“The young guys can’t help but improve quickly, as he brings a spirit to that team.”
Thibs says Garnett will be great for Andrew Wiggins.
“When you have that type of leadership, and it’s the right type of leadership, you can lead in two ways, negative or positive, and the way that he leads is great because it’s all about winning, first and foremost. He’s not afraid to hurt someone’s feelings if he thinks something gets in the way of winning.”
“Kevin will let you know.”
Minnesota’s roster boasts the last two #1 overall draft picks, both Canadian born. However, their roles couldn’t be more opposite in polarity. Anthony Bennett is a bust, while Andrew Wiggins is the center piece of the franchise. Wiggins has the potential to be truly elite.
“He has a chance to be an elite player, especially when you look at how much he’s improved in five months,” said Timberwolves Coach Flip Saunders about Andrew Wiggins.
“He’s got the DNA. It’s going to come down to how he accepts challenges from big time players, whether it’s Lebron, whether it’s James Harden, in that type of situation he rises to the occasion.”
Kevin Garnett has made it absolutely clear that he does not have any interest in getting into coaching after his playing career is over.
However, he can truly help to coach up Andrew Wiggins.
Paul M. Banks owns, operates and writes The Sports Bank.net, which is partnered with Fox Sports Digital, eBay, Google News and CBS Interactive. You can read Banks’ feature stories in the Chicago Tribune RedEye newspaper and listen to him on KOZN 1620 The Zone.
Follow him on Twitter (@paulmbanks)
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