[220Participant]

 Obviously the most popular rumor currently is that Kevin Love will be traded to Cleveland for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, and some other pieces. Most people have been talking about how well Kevin Love will fit and excel with Cleveland, but few people are talking about what might be best for Andrew Wiggins.

If Andrew Wiggins stays with Cleveland then he’d be at best the third option this season behind Lebron James and Kyrie Irving. If Wiggins heads to Minnesota then he could arguably be a leader of the Timberwolves and certainly a focal point. Granted if Wiggins stays in Cleveland he’ll be given an opportunity to not have much pressure on him to preform immediately which is hard to say if that’s good or bad for him. In Minnesota Wiggins would assuredly find himself in the position that most first overall picks are in which is being asked to do a lot probably before he’s ready.

I don’t have a clear cut answer which scenario is better for Andrew Wiggins, but it seems likely to me that Minnesota might be the best bet for him to stretch and grow his game because he wouldn’t have someone clearly better than him to rely on. What do you guys think is better for Wiggins?

[WolfRobParticipant]

 I think learning from Lebron would be best for Andrew.

[WolfRobParticipant]

 I think learning from Lebron would be best for Andrew.

[max23Participant]

 Shoot endless step back jumpers and rarely creating for others (the non creation for others according to college and summer league play,although that stepback sure has improved,very smooth)or learn from best player in the game?Definately Cleveland.Plus Lebron would also be a great mentor defensively

[max23Participant]

 Shoot endless step back jumpers and rarely creating for others (the non creation for others according to college and summer league play,although that stepback sure has improved,very smooth)or learn from best player in the game?Definately Cleveland.Plus Lebron would also be a great mentor defensively

[ballislyfe25Participant]

In Cleveland he will not be asked to carry much of an offensive/scoring burden, however, they will expect lock down wing defense and the ability to run and finish in transition along with knocking down open jumpers and slashing and finishing in the half court sets. As you said, a third option type player, albeit an effective and efficient (and super athletic) one.

In Minnesota, the offense would probably focus more on him as a primary scoring option. Playing with Ricky Rubio, and depending on the players included in the trade, Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic, should allow him to fit in nicely and focus on his strengths on offense. A pass-first point guard like Rubio should help him get 4-8 points per night off of transition buckets and half court offense, and his skills are not redundant with Martin’s or any of their other wing players.

Either scenario should help him develop and eventually lead to him succeed/reach his true potential. In Cleveland he may not get the amount of shots to put up huge per game numbers, however, he will be competing to win right away and learn from the best in the game today, LeBron James. In Minnesota he will have the opportunity to be the offensive and defensive focal point, possibly putting up gaudier numbers with less efficiency.

[ballislyfe25Participant]

In Cleveland he will not be asked to carry much of an offensive/scoring burden, however, they will expect lock down wing defense and the ability to run and finish in transition along with knocking down open jumpers and slashing and finishing in the half court sets. As you said, a third option type player, albeit an effective and efficient (and super athletic) one.

In Minnesota, the offense would probably focus more on him as a primary scoring option. Playing with Ricky Rubio, and depending on the players included in the trade, Kevin Martin and Nikola Pekovic, should allow him to fit in nicely and focus on his strengths on offense. A pass-first point guard like Rubio should help him get 4-8 points per night off of transition buckets and half court offense, and his skills are not redundant with Martin’s or any of their other wing players.

Either scenario should help him develop and eventually lead to him succeed/reach his true potential. In Cleveland he may not get the amount of shots to put up huge per game numbers, however, he will be competing to win right away and learn from the best in the game today, LeBron James. In Minnesota he will have the opportunity to be the offensive and defensive focal point, possibly putting up gaudier numbers with less efficiency.

[theballerwayParticipant]

There is tons he could learn from lebron I agree especially in terms of handling the spotlight, and reading the floor/passing/defense etc. It may also benefit him to be able to somewhat hide behind James, Irving and Waiters. Saying that though this doesnt mean that will be the case. For one Lebron is a unique player and athlete as has ever been. He plays his own game and things that he can do on the court others just simply cant. So its not like he can pattern his game after him as such. Look at Favors he understudied Lopez, and Jeffereson but he still cant score in the fashion that they do (back to the basket). Hes a different type of player but they both excel where he doesnt and in has not translated to him be a serious low post threat. Lebron can make other players look real good and allows them easier shots. In minny he would be a featured player alot sooner ( Irving just got 5 yr deal right). He and LaVine and hwhoever else is considered part of their core would have the chance to grow and develop( a la the thunder) while the management find the right pieces to put around them. this might be better for his personal brand than being known as a ‘guy’ from Lebrons team.

With the questions about his  ‘alpha mentality and killer instinct Cleveland might be the best place for him to develop then maybe find his way to be featured once his rookie deal is up. that being said id like to watch the Minny experiment with him n LaVine.

The almost funny thing is he has pretty much no control over which scenerio he will be put in.

[theballerwayParticipant]

There is tons he could learn from lebron I agree especially in terms of handling the spotlight, and reading the floor/passing/defense etc. It may also benefit him to be able to somewhat hide behind James, Irving and Waiters. Saying that though this doesnt mean that will be the case. For one Lebron is a unique player and athlete as has ever been. He plays his own game and things that he can do on the court others just simply cant. So its not like he can pattern his game after him as such. Look at Favors he understudied Lopez, and Jeffereson but he still cant score in the fashion that they do (back to the basket). Hes a different type of player but they both excel where he doesnt and in has not translated to him be a serious low post threat. Lebron can make other players look real good and allows them easier shots. In minny he would be a featured player alot sooner ( Irving just got 5 yr deal right). He and LaVine and hwhoever else is considered part of their core would have the chance to grow and develop( a la the thunder) while the management find the right pieces to put around them. this might be better for his personal brand than being known as a ‘guy’ from Lebrons team.

With the questions about his  ‘alpha mentality and killer instinct Cleveland might be the best place for him to develop then maybe find his way to be featured once his rookie deal is up. that being said id like to watch the Minny experiment with him n LaVine.

The almost funny thing is he has pretty much no control over which scenerio he will be put in.

[ibe12Participant]

Because of how highly touted he is if he was to go to Minnesota he’d have the pressure of being the face of the franchise whether he’s ready to be that or not. At least if he stays with the Cavs the expectations on him won’t be nearly as high and he’ll have time to develop and learn from the best player in the game.

[ibe12Participant]

Because of how highly touted he is if he was to go to Minnesota he’d have the pressure of being the face of the franchise whether he’s ready to be that or not. At least if he stays with the Cavs the expectations on him won’t be nearly as high and he’ll have time to develop and learn from the best player in the game.

[Toronto16Participant]

 I think he find success no matter where he plays next season, Minnesota or Cleveland.

[Toronto16Participant]

 I think he find success no matter where he plays next season, Minnesota or Cleveland.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Before last season started I compared Wiggins to Dr. J.  Then I compared him to Clyde Drexler.  Basically those two were GREAT second options who couldn’t quite get it done as first options.  Maybe they weren’t "alpha" enough or whatever.

You also got a lot of Scottie Pippen comparisons which would also turn Wiggins into a second option type. 

I could also see him being Option 1-A down the line if he has another superstar with him. 

In Cleveland, Wiggins could have all of the upside (highlights, dunk title, scoring, winning, playing with other great players, hiding weaknesses), without all of the downside (being the MAN, having to put a team on your back, getting the other team’s best effort and defensive ace, having to be a two-way MVP candidate every night).

Minnesota gives him that potential of being the most exciting two way combo since Dr. J and Pistol Pete hooked up for two exhibition games with the Atlanta Hawks back in the day. 

If Andrew Wiggins wants to play on a great ABA team with Rubio, LaVine, Dieng, and those other guys that’s fine, but if he wants to play on an NBA contender that would be with LeBron and the Cavs.

[MopgrassParticipant]

The Wolves weren’t a playoff team with Love and, without him, they’ll win less. They’re trying to ditch Kevin Martin in this move. How long before they trade away Rubio? They might end up trading him before the year is out and tanking. If they did, they’d certainly start with some interesting players:

PG Zach Lavine SG Shabazz Muhammad SF Andrew Wiggins PF Anthony Bennet C Gorgui Dieng

Also, Glenn Robinson on the bench. That’s a lot of very young talent.

[MopgrassParticipant]

The Wolves weren’t a playoff team with Love and, without him, they’ll win less. They’re trying to ditch Kevin Martin in this move. How long before they trade away Rubio? They might end up trading him before the year is out and tanking. If they did, they’d certainly start with some interesting players:

PG Zach Lavine SG Shabazz Muhammad SF Andrew Wiggins PF Anthony Bennet C Gorgui Dieng

Also, Glenn Robinson on the bench. That’s a lot of very young talent.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Before last season started I compared Wiggins to Dr. J.  Then I compared him to Clyde Drexler.  Basically those two were GREAT second options who couldn’t quite get it done as first options.  Maybe they weren’t "alpha" enough or whatever.

You also got a lot of Scottie Pippen comparisons which would also turn Wiggins into a second option type. 

I could also see him being Option 1-A down the line if he has another superstar with him. 

In Cleveland, Wiggins could have all of the upside (highlights, dunk title, scoring, winning, playing with other great players, hiding weaknesses), without all of the downside (being the MAN, having to put a team on your back, getting the other team’s best effort and defensive ace, having to be a two-way MVP candidate every night).

Minnesota gives him that potential of being the most exciting two way combo since Dr. J and Pistol Pete hooked up for two exhibition games with the Atlanta Hawks back in the day. 

If Andrew Wiggins wants to play on a great ABA team with Rubio, LaVine, Dieng, and those other guys that’s fine, but if he wants to play on an NBA contender that would be with LeBron and the Cavs.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

I was just hoping Orlando landed within the Top 3.

[Lotto StudParticipant]

I was just hoping Orlando landed within the Top 3.

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Thus far Minnesota doesn’t have the best track record in developing talent (I think I even saw a forum topic about that a few months ago)…

[Mr. HookShotParticipant]

Thus far Minnesota doesn’t have the best track record in developing talent (I think I even saw a forum topic about that a few months ago)…

[omphalosParticipant]

Yes.

Adelman is gone and so is his reluctance to play young guys.

Also, Lavine, Rubio and Wiggins would be a ridiculously good line-up at the 1-3 in a couple of years.

Rubio will set the table for the two scorers and all three have great defensive potential/attributes.

Wiggins would be forced to do more in Minnesota, but I think he’d be under less pressure right away.

Nobody is expecting him to take them to the playoffs, but if he doesn’t work out in Cleveland the whole fanbase will blame him for costing them Love.

Sure, he could learn from Lebron and eventually be great, but Wiggins’ problem has always been assertiveness, and a team like Minnesota would be extremely beneficial for forcing him to play a more selfish game and explore his weaknesses before making the jump to stardom.

I see Lavine/Wiggins as a less dysfunctional Paul George/Lance Stephenson, and who wouldn’t want to see that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[omphalosParticipant]

Yes.

Adelman is gone and so is his reluctance to play young guys.

Also, Lavine, Rubio and Wiggins would be a ridiculously good line-up at the 1-3 in a couple of years.

Rubio will set the table for the two scorers and all three have great defensive potential/attributes.

Wiggins would be forced to do more in Minnesota, but I think he’d be under less pressure right away.

Nobody is expecting him to take them to the playoffs, but if he doesn’t work out in Cleveland the whole fanbase will blame him for costing them Love.

Sure, he could learn from Lebron and eventually be great, but Wiggins’ problem has always been assertiveness, and a team like Minnesota would be extremely beneficial for forcing him to play a more selfish game and explore his weaknesses before making the jump to stardom.

I see Lavine/Wiggins as a less dysfunctional Paul George/Lance Stephenson, and who wouldn’t want to see that?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Author]

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