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Top 5 Andrew Wiggins’ performances that justified the max contract

By Cooper Langby

SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images)
SHANGHAI, CHINA - OCTOBER 08: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in action during the game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Golden State Warriors as part of 2017 NBA Global Games China at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 8, 2017 in Shanghai, China. (Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 22: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves pose for portraits during 2017 Media Day on September 22, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – SEPTEMBER 22: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves pose for portraits during 2017 Media Day on September 22, 2017 at the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx Courts at Mayo Clinic Square in Minneapolis, 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 David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Nov. 19, 2016 47 Points, 4 Rebounds, 3 Assists, 1 Block

Number one on this list comes from Wiggins’ giant performance in a blowout win over the Lakers.

Wiggins 47 points actually came in a win this time, as the Wolves downed the Lakers 125-99 in Minneapolis.

The slight lift in stats in a nice little boost to go along with the career-high in points, although some more assists or rebounds would make these stats look even more phenomenal, and moving forward I think that is where Wiggins should focus his efforts.

Scoring a high point game such as this, alongside a decent effort in the other statistical categories would really push Wiggins from rising star to all-star.

This surely was the icing on top of the cake in the terms of Wiggins’ contract extension talks. Bringing up this game as proof of his superstardom is as compelling a case as any I can think of to give this man $148 million.

At the end of the day, I’m happy with Wiggins receiving the contract extension, as long as it doesn’t cost us anyone else down the line.

Towns will come knocking for his max-contract extension next year, and Jimmy Butler’s player option comes around in 2019. The Wolves are going to have to pay some big money to keep a winning team around, but it’s worth it if this core can prove they’re playoff competitive, and maybe even prove they’re worthy of being known as future championship contenders.

Next: A fast start is a must for the Timberwolves

The Timberwolves have made some big moves this offseason and ensuring Wiggins is around for another five years with a max-contract extension is one of the biggest. We’ll have to see just how wise this was come the playoffs this year and see if the Timberwolves are truly in their prime with the new era.

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