Dunking With Wolves
Fansided

An examination of Andrew Wiggins’ shooting woes

By Brian Sampson

(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
(Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 19: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2017 at Target Center 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 Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 19: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 19, 2017 at Target Center 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 Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Threes

After taking a step forward in his 3-point shooting last season, Wiggins has taken a huge dip so far this year, only knocking down 31.2 percent of his outside attempts. It’s important to note this number is greatly affected by his recent 2-for-20 performance and will vary greatly from game to game this early in the year.

The overwhelming majority of his attempts (3.6 of his 4.3 shots per game) come from above the break where he’s connecting on an abysmal 31.7 percent. This number needs to come up a lot if he’s going to be the effective spacing option Tom Thibodeau and the team are using him as.

In an extremely odd development, Wiggins actually shoots better off the bounce than on catch-and-shoot opportunities. This is very unusual and as the Hardwood Knocks guys pointed out, catch-and-shoot attempts are supposed to be extremely easier. When it comes to pull-up 3’s, he’s connecting on 35.5 percent of his shots. When it comes to catch-and-shoot, his number drops to 29.8 percent. Yuck.

With Wiggins taking more 3’s than ever before, it’s imperative he begins knocking down shots with more consistency. This will open up the offense and force his defender to respect his shot more often. This will also open up driving lanes for his teammates and the cutting lanes for himself. A win-win for everyone involved.

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