The Development of Andrew Wiggins
2014-06-30
This will be a short article, mainly intended to lay out a few thoughts that are too long for twitter. I am really excited about the Wiggins pick, and have a half formed idea on how to develop him.
In 2011, the Cavaliers drafted Tristan Thompson. He was good at offensive rebounding, blocking shots, and generally being athletic. Over the past three years, the Cavs have focused on bulking him up and working on a jumper & face-up game. His block rate and offensive rebounding rate have dropped every season in the league; by some measures, he was one of the least effective basket-protecting Big Men in the NBA. What if the Cavs had instead focused on taking his strengths and maximizing those, while working on his offense as a secondary concern? I think his performance and effectiveness would be better than it currently is.
Now in 2014, the Cavaliers selected Andrew Wiggins. A small forward with prototypical length and ridiculous athleticism. A guy that likes defense and who Draftexpress says can become a “multi-positional lockdown perimeter defender in the NBA.” He is also a player with weaknesses of needing to further develop his ball-handling and shot.
I hope the Cavs take a position of focusing on enhancing that defensive impact, while on offense giving him a role and developing the tools to strike efficiently from within that role. Certainly, hitting open jumpers, and also strong work in transition and cutting within the offense, and eventually the ability to recognize a mismatch and take advantage from isolation or as the ball-handler in the pick & roll. In this capacity, he may never be a 25 point per game scorer with 28% usage, but that seems fine; an efficient, relatively low usage, multi-faceted wing with a terribly disruptive defensive streak can be a star. Look at Kawhi Leonard, he of 18% usage, but an NBA Finals MVP and at age 22, already one of the 25 best players in the game. If the Cavs wanted a high usage scorer, Jabari Parker was the pick. If they wanted a freak athlete that can be a monster at the other end of the court, they made the right call in Andrew Wiggins. Focusing the team’s goals for Wiggins towards maximizing every ounce of his existing talents, turning him not into a good, but the best defender, should go a long ways towards determining his ultimate ceiling. Trying to turn him into something he is not will be more difficult and could inhibit his path to stardom. Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Lebron James; the most dominant offensive forces from the small forward position were already well on there way to being that at 18 years old. That is not Andrew Wiggins, and that is fine; he doesn’t need to go there to be an outstanding player. Hopefully the Cavaliers can maximize what he is, molding him into his own unique kind of star.
That is all. Go Cavs!
Yeay Kyrie!
TT is a reminder that Grant used to be the GM. But it’s possible he flourishes with Blatt. He seems like a guy who is willing to retool his game and work hard in the gym. At the very least he upped his FT % and attempts each year.
Kyrie and DG shook on an extension! All the NY media reporting Kyrie wouldn’t sign, please kill yourselves. Thanks,
Kyrie and DG shook on an extension! All the NY media reporting Kyrie wouldn’t sign, please kill yoursleves. Thanks,
Krolik wrote a piece re: schools of thought developing strengths vs weaknesses years ago (I think re lbj but I can’t recall; probably, though, in those days). He used a tennis analogy.
The two should be linked.
Food for thought thanks for working on this blog, love the cavs.
It was about brons post game, just remembered.
I don’t know what the hell you bastards did to KJ, but I’m here on his behalf to remind you that if you think Andrew Wiggins will ever amount to squat in the NBA, you’re either delusional or suffering from poor reading comprehension. Possibly both.
P.S. Dion Waiters is a WINNER!!!!
Simmons and Zack Lowe brought up Gordon Hayward to the Cavs a few times on the BS report today. Bringing him in would seem to make Waiters expendable, but the length on the wing of Hayward and Wiggins might be worth it.
Yuck. They would haveto way overpay. Do not want.
Cavs have to overpay for every free agent.
Not for someone like that though. Overpay for great players, but giving Hayward near a max deal is dumb.
Kyrie is getting the max! Good move by the Cavs. Spurs and Heat showed that you win with stars. He’s one. Sign him up!
Micheal Jordan played 3 years at NC – and while he had a great rookie season (ROY), he then broke his foot and missed most of his second season – he didn’t really start to begin to hit his full stride in the NBA until he was 24 years old.
Andrew Wiggins turned 19 four months ago. Come on, man. Chill out and let the guy at least play some summer league games before you guys start defining how his entire career is going to enfold.
I agree, Milwaukee could use some front office help after seeing how they handled the Kidd hire. I can think of a dozen years in the past where the Cavs had a front office with idiots in charge.
After reading these posts, it’s quite apparent that most of the people commenting here should be working in the front office for an NBA team.
Chip P,
Sarcasm noted, but I am just a big nerd. I have made peace with this.
Noted and understood. Still a daily visitor to the site.
A very interesting take- particularly the comments as they pertain to TT’s development. Note to all the Wiggins-is-going-to-be-a-god-don’t-you-dare-restrict-his-growth crowd (OK, let me amend that: note to Cols714). Kevin isn’t saying to NEVER develop his offense….he’s saying to start by nurturing his strengths instead of focusing on his weaknesses. There is an interesting corollary to this theory in the corporate leadership/management development world. Old school thinking is that effctive leaders and managers have to broaden their growth by focusing on improving where they are weak in order to rise to the top….but there is increasing data to support the notion that… Read more »
TT just sucks at offense. He had no game coming into the NBA. Wiggins lack of an offensive game is being hugely understated. When Embiid was out, he was asked to carry the load and he did just that.
Wiggins is going to be great at offense and defense. I want people to stop thinkiing he’s going to suck on offense like TT and MKG (who is horrible).
Cols,
I am not sure who you are arguing with that says Wiggins will suck on offense. You must be carrying over an argument from some other forum. No one is saying that here.
You want him to be some Iguodala clone or a Leonard clone. Wiggins is right now better than Igueodala on offense and probably just as good if not better than Leonard on offense.
Ok. So you said Iguodala and Leonard suck on offense. Makes more sense now.
Considering AI2s career offensive stats are better than Wiggins college stats I’m going out on a limb to say that Andrew Wiggins is not a better offense player than Iguodala right now. Maybe in a few years, but I’m gonna need to see a few NBA games before I’m OK letting that comment fly unimpeded.
I keep transitioning this towards a Carmelo versus Iguodala thing, not for any great reasons, and not that it is completely appropriate, but tangentally Jabari Parker was often compared to Carmelo. I already mentioned that play-by-play regression based stats have considered Iggy better than Melo as an all-around player for the last four seasons. If you prefer the box score, for their careers, Melo has played 11 seasons with 89 Win Shares (includes playoffs) and has been paid $136 million. Iggy has played 10 seasons with 76 Win Shares and has been paid $86 million. Teams got more bang for… Read more »
Cols-
I don’t think the prevailing argument is that Wiggins “sucks” on offense. I think the prevaiing argument is that he got the majority of his points in college either due to his superior athleticism, or from fast breaks- both of which will be in much shorter supply in the NBA. The question is whether an immensely talented athelete- who exhibited questionable drive and aggressiveness at the college level- will dedicate himself to improve his arsenal now that the points won’t come so easy for him.
kevin in total agreement with you ——good having you back —even if it is just occassionally
I am not trying to sell Wiggins short. Iguodala is probably a top 20 NBA player (RAPM and RPM both consider him top-11). Kawhi Leonard is around that range (top 20 -25), too, and only 22 years old. There is more than one type of star. I would not be anything but pleased if he ended up a top 20 NBA player that was solid on offense and a stud on defense. I don’t assume Cols would be upset with that either. If he happens to exceed those levels, that is great. I just don’t think the team should over-stress… Read more »
I agreee that Igudala is to 20 and that Leonard isn’t too far behind. But I can’t say that I would be pleased if Wiggins ‘just’ becomes a player in that range. At a minimum I expect him to be Iggy ‘like’ in terms of impact on the court. However, my true hope is that Wiggins becomes the kind of start that you can really build around or be a ‘Robin’ on a championship caliber team. I really like Iggy, I just think that somone with Wiggins physical gifts and reported work ethic/desire to be great, it would be a… Read more »
Nupe,
I like setting expectations where there is the possibility of exceeding those. If the only idea acceptable for Wiggins is top-five player, then the outcomes I have for how to process his career are either elated or disappointed. I will be elated in the top five scenario regardless of where I set my hopes, so might as well leave some room to exceed those.
I am disappointed in the lack of numbers in your article, Kevin. As you surely know, nothing in Wiggins’ numbers as compared to any current superstar player suggest he will come anywhere near Top 5 status.
I appreciate your optimism, however because I know at least that you actually did look at all the available info and aren’t just being a fan…
The best part about the Wiggins pick is that we don’t need another alpha-dog, give me the ball and watch me go to work mentality player. Last time I checked, we already have two of those and I’m pretty sure it’s common knowledge that three is not better than two when it comes to ball-dominant scorers (although there are other situations three does prove to be better than two…). Sometimes I feel it is forgotten that Kyrie and Dion are excellent offensive players who need some help on the defensive end. I think one of the most telling things Wiggins… Read more »
“The best part about the Wiggins pick is that we don’t need another alpha-dog, give me the ball and watch me go to work mentality player.”
Agreed. Another thing to like is the flexibility he allows by being able to guard multiple positions. For example, if coach Blatt wanted to bring in either Karasev or Joe Harris for shooting, he could switch Wiggins defensively to either SG or SF. Which ever could better mask a hole on D. I don’t think they could have gotten that with any other player in the draft.
if everyone remembers —LeBron was far from a finished product when he came into the league ( no outside shot/ weak left hand / no post up game / weak on defense —–what he did have was athleticism —–sound familiar to the person we just drafted ( granted LeBron was a better passer/ higher basketball I.Q. ) but give the kid a chance don’t force feed him and confuse him ( which leads to frustration )—-play to his strengths/ work on his weaknesses and if he truly desires to be the complete player ( which I believe he does )… Read more »
nomad,
I agree with all of the words in this comment. I am not sure which side of the discussion you are on though.
Wiggins reportedly has been working on his game – specifically becoming a better shooter and better handle. I think when developing a player you must try to develop according to thier “comfort zone” as much as possible. If a player isn’t very agressive offensively, you shouldn’t try to ‘develop’ them into a more offensive mindset. But if they are a very agressive player, then help them hone the tools/skill to capitolize on that aggressiveness. If Wiggins is most comfortable playing off the ball, then I’d first focus on his catcth and shoot and how to read a defense and cutting… Read more »
People are really missing out on Wiggins’ potential. He’s going to be a superstar. Not some guy like Iguodala or Tony Allen or something. He’s going to be a top 5 player.
Iguodala and Tony Allen are not the same player. Allen is closer to “defense only”.
Interesting article. One player that Wiggins reminds of is Reggie Lewis. 6’7″, skinny, excellent D, and a nice kid who seemed kind of shy with a big smile. Before his heart betrayed him Reggie was a terrific player and a fan favorite in Boston who really set a trend for tall shooting guards.
Wiggins is going to be great. Don’t pigeonhole him as some defense only type. He will definitely average 25 points per game sometime in the next 5 years.
Clearly 25 ppg would be great. Just as valuable though would be for him to become a top tier, elite defender.
I reference Kawhi Leonard in the article. Is he defense only in your mind? If Wiggins averaged 15 efficient points a game while helping the offense work and was an amazing wing defender, that’s a star.
A guy like Andre Iguodala, with 15 ppg and 5 apg career averages, a 110 orating on 19 usage…he’s definitely not “defense only”. But he is really amazingly good at defense. According to RAPM and the associated wins equivalent (SWAgR), Iguodala has been a better player than Carmelo Anthony per possession and cumulatively in each of the last four seasons, in large part because Iguodala is a kick-ass defensive player. Many people probably consider Carmelo the better player and think it’s a no brainer, because Carmelo averages 25 points per game. That is the thought process that leads to not… Read more »
Wiggins has a chance to be much much better than Iguodala.
He better take his defense really seriously then.
I didn’t realize Iguodala was only 100 days older than Carmelo. That suprised me. RAPM hasn’t considered Melo the better player since his last season in Denver (2009 – 2010).
::SHAKES HEAD:: ::REPEATEDLY::
(remembers when all the CtB commenters made fun of him for wanting AI2 at 12 million a year)
Tom, Hehe. I remember not wanting Iguodala for the Cavs. I don’t recall my reasoning had a lot to do with him as a basketball player though (could be wrong). Kyrie was awesome, Dion and Tristan had closed 2012 – 2013 looking strong, another high lottery pick was coming on…I wanted the team to make small, smart free agent acquisitions and see how the young core came together in 2013 – 2014 prior to adding a new big piece like Iguodala (thought it could impact chemistry of a young team, which in hindsight is hilarious given how last season actually… Read more »
I agree for the most part but I would like to see that Wiggins has some time to develop an in game ball handling mind set down the road. With Kyrie being the shooter he is and if they bring back Hawes it would be a necessity that his court vision and ball handling come around, at least on an elementary level. Making this clear, I don’t want this very thin kid driving the lane with regularity, just a few times a game to develop the skill set. There are just too many shooter for him not to be a… Read more »
Nope. Teach him offense. It’s not like he was hopeless on offense at Kansas. This isn’t some crappy player like MKG, this guy will be a two way monster.
Don’t sell Wiggins short.
I didn’t say don’t teach him offense; obviously there is no desire to ignore one half of the game. Basically, just make sure he is at least a one-way monster and let the offense come along as it does.
I agree—-his off. will come thru his defense/ transition/ cutting without the ball in the offensive pattern—–his athleticism and love for defense will be where he will shine and contribute immediately —–I know this is off the subject but the more I read on hariss and powell the more I like —both have extremely high basketball I.Q. and passing skills / very coachable and tough—-I think these were both blatts picks to fit into his system —-feel a lot more confident with griffin / blatt / lue making the basketball decisions for this franchise—GO CAVS
The best way to develope wiggins is to bring in james he would get wiggins to surpass his expectations but what we need to do to make him come is make a deal.Ok this is a deal that works for both teams that we need to make so cavs trade waiters who needs to be traded thompson who will conflict and our three first round picks from next year and if needed 1 or 2 more but the three should be enough for Kevin love the twolves won’t get more for him than that and he won’t resign with them… Read more »
I agree that a “trade every asset in the cupboard except wiggins and kyrie to Minny for KLove” makes a lot of sense. My only hesitation would be if Griff has inside info that LBJ really doesn’t want to leave Miami. If LBJ is open to leaving, and we can somehow get Kyrie, Wiggins, LBJ, Love together, I can’t imagine how Bosh/Wade/LBJ is better than that.
Its not and they are declining in skill and athleticism while the cavs are all getting better and with lbj to mentor irving and wiggins they will be even better I honestly would say champions first year with that team
Smart piece, Kevin. I think the temptation with a number one pick with a really high ceiling is to expect him to be great in ways we associate with other number ones with high ceilings (LeBron, Durant, etc). Not only should the Cavs develop Wiggins along his strengths, but they should help him craft his role on this team. We’ve got ball-dominance in the guard positions; why train Wiggins to dominate the ball? In addition to lockdown D, the Cavs ought to help him polish his finishing at the rim (he’s going to wreck people on cuts) and maybe establish… Read more »
Agree with Kevin.
Great article… KEVIN? The Kevin Hetrick or are my sleepy eyes deceiving me? I thought you stepped away. You’re back? Welcome back! I missed your posts!
Welcome back, Kevin. I thought you might have posted occasionally here before the draft.
Not sure,
Thanks. I like having the ability to post something without being needed for content once or twice per week. Time constraints made that too much.