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Minnesota Timberwolves: Who’s Up and Who’s Down a review of Tom Thibedeau and starting five performance.

By Ken Bradley

NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 01: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts with Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves after scoring a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. Minnesota won the game 104 -98. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 01: Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts with Taj Gibson #67 of the Minnesota Timberwolves after scoring a three pointer during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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. Minnesota won the game 104 -98. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, CANADA – JANUARY 30: The jersey of Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves as seen during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA – JANUARY 30: The jersey of Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves as seen during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 30, 2018 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Andrew Wiggins

Andrew Wiggins Minutes 36.2 36.1 DOWN (almost even)
Small Forward Points 19.9 17.9 DOWN
22 Years Old Assists 2.1 1.8 DOWN
4th season Rebounds 4.1 4.2 UP
Overal Grade DOWN

Andrew Wiggins is completing his fourth season in the NBA and playing close to dead even with his career average minutes. Wiggins played a full minute (37.2) more on average last season and he’s playing nearly identical minutes as during his rookie season (36.2).

His is scoring an entire two-points lower than his career average and about 3.5 fewer points than last season. This reduction could be a reflection of the additional talent surrounding him. Unfortunately, his field goal-and three-point-percentage are lower than his last two season and slightly higher than his rookie season.

Wiggins assists are below his career average and lower than every season in the league which should be concerning. Wiggins has better offensive facilitators surrounding him which may in part be a reason why his assists are lower. Regardless, his assists are down which is more concerning because other statistics are also lower.

Wiggins rebounds are slightly up but still below his career high rookie season (4.6) rebounds-per-game.

He receives a DOWN grade because his minutes are not far below his career average and yet his shooting efficiency, assists are at career lows. In addition, he’s not improved his rebounding from his rookie season. Wiggins has improved on the defensive side, but still not consistently better which is a concern.

Finally, he signed a five-year, $150 million contract which is a substantial chunk of the Wolves salary cap space. He should be playing more like Kobe Bryant than O.J. Mayo at that salary if the Wolves are going to be an NBA contender.

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