Brashna Kasi
The Golden State Warriors face a pivotal moment as they prepare for the 2024-25 NBA season. With the departure of Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, the team is grappling with finding a reliable second scorer to support superstar Steph Curry. While there are several candidates, coach Steve Kerr firmly believes that Andrew Wiggins is the one who must step up.
Confidence in Wiggins
Steve Kerr has made it clear that he has unwavering faith in Wiggins’ abilities. Despite recent challenges, including a difficult personal year that saw Wiggins lose his father, Kerr sees potential for a resurgence. It’s been a brutally difficult two years for Wiggs and his family,” Kerr remarked in an interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke. He added, “As sad as it is, I’m hopeful his father’s death brings a little peace.”
- Wiggins is just two seasons removed from an All-Star performance in 2021-22.
- His father’s illness significantly impacted his game, and Kerr believes this could affect Wiggins positively moving forward.
- Kerr described Wiggins as “an unbelievable human being and an incredible athlete” who is now 29 and in his prime.
With Wiggins appearing to regain focus, Kerr emphasized that it’s time for him to take on a more significant role in the offense.
Expectations for the Season
Kerr set specific expectations for Wiggins, urging him to elevate his game. While he didn’t assign a precise scoring target, he underscored the importance of aggression and assertiveness. “I want a lot of 3s and I want a lot of attacks to the rim,” Kerr said. He also mentioned Wiggins’ shooting abilities, stating that he has been a reliable 3-point shooter during his time with the team, averaging around 39 to 40 percent.
To bolster his expectations, Kerr highlighted several key points:
- Wiggins is expected to shoot six 3-pointers a game.
- He performed well at the free-throw line, hitting over 80 percent in the latter half of last season.
- His comfort level in the game has reportedly improved.
These indicators signal to both Wiggins and fans that the Warriors need him to be a significant contributor this season.
Facing Challenges
Despite Kerr’s optimism, Wiggins comes off a career-worst season, having averaged nearly four points less than in any previous season since entering the league in 2014. His struggles have left some skeptical about his ability to rediscover his All-Star form.
Currently, Wiggins is sidelined due to a minor illness, which has kept him out of the preseason games so far. However, Kerr remains hopeful that Wiggins will be ready for the regular-season opener. The team’s performance in the early games will be critical in shaping the season’s trajectory.
Other Contenders
The Warriors are exploring other options for the second scorer position. Players like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton are in the mix, but Kerr’s insistence on Wiggins suggests he may be the top choice. Wiggins’ experience and skills put him in a unique position to claim that role and help fill the void left by Thompson.
- Jonathan Kuminga, a rising talent, is also under scrutiny as a potential scorer alongside Curry.
- Hield and Melton bring different abilities that could help diversify the Warriors’ offensive strategies.
The Road Ahead
As the Warriors gear up for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on Wiggins. His ability to bounce back from recent adversity while rising to the expectations set by Kerr will be crucial. The Warriors’ strategy hinges on his performance, making each game a test of whether he can reclaim his status as a dependable scorer.
the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season presents both challenges and opportunities for Andrew Wiggins. With Steve Kerr backing him and expectations high, Wiggins has the chance to not only impact the Warriors’ success but also to reclaim his position as one of the league’s top players. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can rise to the occasion and help lead the Warriors in this new chapter
