No. 2 – Get to the Free Throw Line More
The next step in the ongoing development of Andrew Wiggins is getting back to the free throw line.
Over his first three seasons, Wiggins averaged 6.4 free throw attempts per game and made 76% at the line. In 2017-18, he only got to the line 3.8 times a game and (even more surprising) his free throw percentage dropped to 64.3.
Slashing your free throw attempts almost in half while making a lower percentage does not add efficiency to one’s game.
This goes back to Wiggins’ love of pull-up jumpers and general unwillingness to always attack the basket.
Goal
Attempt seven or more free throws per game.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Wiggins’ ideal role on this Timberwolves team is as a slasher who attacks the basket first and foremost. He can finish at the rim (69.5 percent within three feet) and he normally makes his free throws at a respectable rate.
When looking at his free throw percentage over his first three seasons versus his lower percentage last year, I tend to believe the larger sample. He should bounce back from a subpar shooting at the line.
On this Timberwolves team, Wiggins benefits from being the third option. Opposing defenses focus on Towns and Butler, and Wiggins can operate in the background. Instead of standing around without the ball in his hands, Wiggins should cut to the basket and get the ball on the move.
Side note: Wiggins averaged 7.0 free throws during his second season, so he has experience in getting to the line with regularity.
