Every NBA career doesn’t look the same. Moreover, just because a player is picked first overall doesn’t mean they’ll be a superstar. If they’re not a superstar, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re a bust, either.
Take Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors. Entering the draft, he was billed as “Maple Jordan”. The Canadian wing was selected first overall. With that said, he hasn’t exactly produced like a superstar.
Still, he has developed into a solid 3-and-D wing. Although, he’s not having the best season in 2023-24. Wiggins is still a useful player, but he’s regressed somewhat.
Could the Dallas Mavericks take a flyer on him anyway?
NBA Trade Proposal: Dallas Mavericks Land Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins
Golden State Warriors Receive: C Richaun Holmes, F/C Maxi Kleber, 2027 First-Round Pick (Lottery Protected – DAL)
Dallas Mavericks Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins
Meanwhile, draft analysts get it wrong regularly. Wiggins was supposed to be a superstar, and he developed into a solid role-player instead. Sometimes, players get underestimated as well.
Look at the Mavericks’ Luka Doncic. He’ll go first overall in any redraft of his class. At the time, there were questions about his athleticism at the NBA level.
Doncic answered those questions – quickly and definitively. Should we blame the draft pundits? Not necessarily.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks Updates
The draft is an inexact science – nobody will hit 100% of their projections. Wiggins may have fallen short of expectations, but he’s become a quality rotation player.
Should the Warriors move him?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Wiggins isn’t having a strong year. That’s one reason to move him. With that said, the Warriors could also opt to hang onto him and hope he returns to form if this year was their only consideration.
It isn’t. The Warriors’ financial situation has gotten complicated. Klay Thompson is due for an extension this summer. Draymond Green is on a long-term contract, and so is Wiggins.
This isn’t about clearing cap space for Thompson – that would be premature. More broadly, it’s about cleaning up the Warriors’ books. Moreover, it’s about getting a lottery protected first.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Kleber feels like a good fit for this roster as well. The Warriors could use some size in their frontcourt, and Kleber is a smart player who should fit in the Warriors’ system.
Should the Mavericks part with him?
Why The Dallas Mavericks Do The Deal
Wiggins may be having a difficult season. He’s still the best player in this deal. Moreover, with the emergence of Derrick Lively III, the Mavericks can afford to part with Kleber.
Especially if they’re landing a solid 3-and-D wing like Wiggins, that’s a glaring hole in this roster. The Mavericks don’t need Wiggins to be a primary offensive option.
Their offense runs through Doncic first and Kyrie Irving second. So, they’ll only ask Wiggins to thrive in a low-usage, 3-and-D role.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Andrew Wiggins, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks Updates
The last time the Warriors won an NBA title, he succeeded in that exact position. It may not be what he was drafted to do, but Wiggins does it well anyway.
