The 2022 NBA finals could end at game 6 in Boston if the Golden State Warriors win. If they do win, the Warriors will their 4th NBA title in 8 seasons. But for some players on the roster, it will be their first opportunity to taste gold. Andrew Wiggins, who revived his career this season is just one of those names.
Andrew Wiggins was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers and traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as the number 1 pick of the draft. The Maple Jordan came into the league and won the ROTY. His ceiling looked high but it turned out to be a false ceiling. He plateaued for years and the Timberwolves gave up on him and traded him away to the Bay.
The Golden State Warriors risked it all with Andrew Wiggins
The Golden State Warriors have more than $150 Million invested in just their starters. They are well into their luxury tax bracket but it is worth it if they win the NBA title. This is the exact recipe they used in their run as a dynasty by paying nearly 4 max contracts. As long as they are winning they do not mind that.
Stephen Curry is making $45 Million, Klay is making $38 Million, Draymond Green is making $24 Million and Wiggins is making $31 Million. That contract was awarded to him by the Timberwolves. The Maple Jordan made the Timberwolves pay this season.
Stephen Curry on Andrew Wiggins’ first deep playoff run: “You can tell how much he’s enjoying it.”
— Connor Letourneau (@Con_Chron) June 15, 2022
Wiggins became an all-star starter. That’s something only a top-10 player in the league could achieve. However, he averaged just 17 points this season. In the pecking order, he fell behind Chef Curry, Klay Thompson, and even Jordan Poole. Everyone believed Wiggins did not deserve that all-star selection.
For someone who’s making max-contract money and being regarded as a one-dimensional player, he’s never even averaged over 20 points per game in his career at the Bay. But when they needed him, he showed up.
In-Game 5 of the NBA finals, potential finals MVP Stephen Curry did not make a single 3 in the game. But Andrew Wiggins saved the Warriors from losing control by scoring 26 points and 13 rebounds.
GSW now has the advantage and has put the Celtics in a corner. All because they took a shot with Andrew Wiggins 3 years ago despite the tax they would have to pay.