If at the time, many were waiting to see and wondering about Andrew Wiggins, the trade that led him to the Warriors, notably in exchange for D’Angelo Russell is clearly bearing fruit today and Golden State now appears to be the big winner of this transaction. However, Bob Myers, the GM, does not hide that he had some doubts a year and a half ago before pulling the trigger.
“To be completely transparent, there were quite a few difficult points. A lot of people were apprehensive about this trade.” Bob Myers
It is true that the number 1 in the 2014 draft, despite a few promising seasons with Wolves, was quickly considered a bust. Many criticized him for his investment, and some even wondered if he really enjoyed basketball given his constant aversion to contact and the idea of playing hard. It is true that the passage from Jimmy Butler in Minneapolis at the time did nothing to help that reputation. It is also for this reason that Myers managed to negotiate a (protected) pick in the discussion, however the protection rank of this draft round was one of the main obstacles to concluding the deal.
“That was the biggest point of contention and it wasn’t resolved until the morning before the deadline. Of course, their GM Gersson Rosas was doing his job and trying to get the most out of this affair while I was also trying to limit his wishes as well as possible. This kind of situation usually finds a solution only in the last minutes. Protecting this pick is the main reason we fought, top 2, top 3, top 4 or whatever. And when we finally agreed on top 3 protection, the deal happened.” Bob Myers
In the end, with hindsight, we can realize that these negotiations took time for nothing. The Wolves finally got the 7th pick of the 2021 draft and it went directly into the hands of the Warriors who, for the occasion, had the opportunity to draft Jonathan Kuminga. And when we see the role that the rookie is occupying, especially since the injury of Draymond Green, hard not to say that Bob Myers negotiated masterfully.
Wiggins, for his part, has a season with more than 18 points and 4 rebounds, and even if these figures are not his best in his career, his impact on both sides of the court has become very valuable. The image of the soft player that stuck to him a short time ago now seems to have completely vanished. At the same time, he has greatly improved his shot selection (finished the long-twos), plays smarter and now shoots with remarkable percentages (49% shooting including 42% at 3-pointers). This is something to celebrate on the side of San Francisco.
“I think we have the best version of Andrew Wiggins right now. He is a good example to show how things can evolve and how the tide can turn. Opinions may change depending on how a player performs via their physical form and the system they play in. Andrew represents a good success story for us for sure, but also for all the players in the league who are not in the right context or in the right role. Bob Myers
It’s all true, now Wiggins’ crest is completely restored and his appearance in the top 3 frontcourts in the All-Star Game votes by fans proves it completely. By standing in front of a lot of referenced players like Rudy Gobert, Paul George or even his teammate Draymond Green, he takes a nice revenge on his complicated start to his career. A selection for the All-Star Game, which would be a career first for the winger, would then represent the ultimate consecration.
“If he makes the All-Star Game, and I think he has a good chance of doing that, it would be a huge turnaround on how he’s viewed in this league. I really hope for him that it will happen.” Bob Myers
Now let’s see if the media and players are as enthusiastic as the fans about Wiggins’ possible start for the All-Star Game. And even if that’s not the case, with Warriors top 2 in the East and the likely absence of Draymond Green through injury, the winger looks in good shape to at least clinch a substitute spot. We can only give huge credit to him, but also to all the staff of the Warriors for that.
Via Yahoo! Sports
