Draft Profile: Andrew Wiggins

After reclassifying, Andrew Wiggins became one of the most sought after recruits in recent memory. He had everyones eyes locked on the Kansas Jayhawks to see just what all the hype was about. While he may have underperformed in some people’s estimations, Wiggins still put together a very good freshman year, despite his team’s opening weekend loss in the NCAA Tournament. 

Rebounds  

Turnover %  

Usage %  

TS%

2013-14  

17.1

5.9

13.1

26.3

56.3

While his numbers may not jump off the page, Wiggins was very solid his lone in Lawrence. He scored the ball well, while contributing on the boards, and did a good job of taking care of the ball. He had an average usage rate and average efficiency, but with more refining that should come around. He has all the tools, and showed the ability to take over games when he needs to and do so in an efficient manner. 

Measurables 

Weight  

Wingspan 

6’8”

197

7’0”

Strengths

• Defense 

At this stage in his development, Wiggins is an outstanding defender. He’s got great physical tools, to go along with a high intensity level on the defensive end. He isn’t afraid to get into players and force them into tough plays. Wiggins possesses great lateral quickness, and already has the ability to guard multiple positions. With the assumption that he adds weight to his frame, Wiggins could potentially become an even better defender as time wears on. 

• Physical Tools 

Another one of the things that has people salivating at the former Jayhawk is his physical tools. He has prototypical size for an NBA wing, and has phenomenal length. Wiggins is also one of, if not the best athletes in this draft class. His frame is somewhat on the lean side right now, but he’s only 19, so it will fill out as he gets older. He has a long stride, and lighting fast quickness and great explosiveness. He has all the tools to be a great player at the next level, he just needs to continue to grow his game to match it. 

Weaknesses 

• Offensive Game 

Now, I’m not sure this is a true weakness for Wiggins, but it’s moreso an area that needs work. With his solid mechanics, Wiggins jump shot is one of his stronger suits. He can knock down jumpers with his feet set or off the dribble. His explosiveness makes him dangerous in the half court as a cutter, and potentially a ball handler driving to the basket. He’s still somewhat raw with his ball handling, but it should come around just fine with more time. 

• Intensity Level 

Wiggins, who is very laid back, has a tendency to take this attitude into the game. He has a tendency to shy away from contact, and settle for poor jump shots from time to time. He possesses the physical tools to blow by defenders and dunk on people all the time and just doesn’t. This is really an area that might not be a big deal and that once he’s in the league Wiggins will be locked in at all times, but it’s worth noting. 

Conclusion 

Undoubtedly one of the top prospects in this years draft, Wiggins is a ball of potentially waiting to be fully unleashed. He already possesses the tools of a lock down defender, and his physical tools make his upside even more tantalizing. He has some work to do on the offensive end with his consistent, but that will undoubtedly come with time. 

As for his fit with the Magic, it seems very unlikely the team will be able to land the former Kansas star. There have been rumors swirling that the Magic could move both their picks — fourth and 12th — along with swingman Arron Afflalo for Wiggins, but that might not be completely advantageous. Yes, it would net the team their potential superstar, but they have so many other needs that need to be filled as well to be able to take that next step in their rebuilding process, so making that deal could hurt them some as well.