The Minnesota Timberwolves, fresh off their first playoff appearance in 14 years, are in a tough spot. Despite being a playoff newcomer, the team payroll falls right under the luxury tax line for the 2018-19 season and beyond.
Huge contractual decisions lie on the horizon for both Jimmy Butler and Karl-Anthony Towns, the team’s two best players. Towns, only 22 years old, already ranks as one of the best offensive big men in the NBA. Butler is a two-way stalwart who prides himself on hard work and commitment (however he might not be in Minnesota for long).
However, as the title of this article tells you, neither is the key to the future of the Wolves. That distinction belongs to former no. 1-overall pick Andrew Wiggins.
Because of the organizational tax concerns, any major improvements will have to be made internally by players like Wiggins already under contract. Wiggins signed a max extension last summer and will be making over $33 million in the 2022-23 season.
Wiggins HAS to improve to be worth this monster contract.
2017-18 season stats – 17.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists on 43.8/33.1/64.3
The Canadian swingman had all the hype in high school and was routinely compared to fellow athletic freak LeBron James. Entering the league, many assumed he would be a top-five player in the NBA. The only top-five thing about him at this juncture is the nickname “Maple Jordan.”
Wiggins struggles with inefficiency on offense and a general malaise on defense, but the 23-year-old still has talent. The continued development of Andrew Wiggins remains a key for the Timberwolves’ future.
Here are three ways Wiggins can improve in the 2018-19 campaign:
Next Up: Take Fewer Pull-Up Jumpers
