Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

Who is the face of the Timberwolves franchise?

By Max Neuhaus

BLOOMINGTON, MN - JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, MN - JUNE 29: Tom Thibobeau introduces Jimmy Butler of the Minnesota Timberwolves to the public during a press conference at the Mall of America on June 29, 2017 in Bloomington, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 6: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 6, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – APRIL 6: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves handles the ball during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 6, 2017 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Andrew Wiggins

Even though Towns and Butler are better players at this stage of their careers, it still feels like the fan favorite is Wiggins. When he was being put in trade offers for Kyrie Irving, fans came out in droves on Twitter to support the former Kansas Jayhawk.

Of course, if he can hit the ceiling many think he can hit, even fans of a Irving for Wiggins swap would be happy to see the current Wolf stay put.

The former Rookie of the Year has shown improvement in each year he has been in the league. He has increased his points per game every year by at least three points every season. He has also improved his three-point shooting. Wiggins’ 3-point shots attempted, made, and percentage was the highest of his young career last season. With 3-point shooting being a staple of winning teams and something the Wolves lack, any help Minnesota can get from one of their stars is greatly appreciated.

Not only does Wiggins have the most untapped potential, he also has the most exciting play. While we have yet to see anything of Butler in a Wolves uniform and Towns is plenty exciting in his own right, the Canadian was part of the “Bounce Brothers” with Zach LaVine before he was traded away.

He has collected an amazing highlight reel of dunks. From his poster of Rudy Gobert to punching one down on Nikola Vucevic, the 22-year-old has amassed quite a collection of posters. His best dunk, however, has to be this facial he throws down on Nikola Jokic.

They don’t call him Maple Jordan for nothing.

Of course, there are some holes in his argument for face of the franchise.

He is a very soft-spoken player. Normally, a guy who is expected to carry that title is charismatic and always in the public eye. Wiggins is not that type of player or person. He has even been criticized for being quiet and not taking on that “killer instinct” that many great players have.

Another point against him is that he tends to disappear during games. While he does show up against the big competition like Golden State and Cleveland, there are points during games against the Jazz and Nets where you forget he is on the court. A centerpiece for your team can’t do that. While they are better players right now, no one forgets when Kyrie Irving or Klay Thompson are on the court.

While the former number-one-overall pick might grow into a face of the franchise caliber player, he currently has a long way to go to catch both Towns and Butler.  

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