[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

It is tough to try to determine how this trade will impact Wiggins. It sounds like he is a bit down right now, with his recent comment, "I just want to go where I’m wanted." Depending on his personality, this trade could impact him in two ways. 

First, it could cause him to lose confidence. I mean, for awhile he dethroned Jabari Parker, one of the highest rated recruits of all time out of high school, as the top prospect in the nation. And in the end, he was selected first in the draft. He has supreme athleticism and a natural giftedness. People annointed him to be the next T-Mac. The Cavs were lucky to get the first pick, because they got to choose between Embiid, Parker, and Wiggins, and they chose Wiggins. He was selected to be Irving’s running mate and turn the Cavs into legit contenders. And then they get Lebron!

But, suddenly, the Cavs don’t want him anymore. Lebron doesn’t want him. He had been wanted as a basketball player by everyone for at least the last the 4 years. Suddenly, he’s not.

If he is a sensitive guy who wants people to like him, then for the last four years, he has been very happy, because everyone liked him. But now, someone doesn’t.

What if he starts second-guessing himself and his weaknesses? What if his shot becomes eratic and a few bad turnovers cause him to become overly passive on offense? What happens if, in his formative years as an NBA player, he doesn’t want to shoot or dribble? Does he turn into a defensive stopper and ball-mover? Does he become a more athletic MKG?

He does seem like a people-pleaser to me. It seems like he wants to be liked and wanted. But maybe if he was always wanted, he wouldn’t have a catalyst to push him to be great.  Maybe he would not have gotten much better, or at least as good as he could be. 

Instead, I wonder if this will give Wiggins an FU to his game. "Oh, you’re going to trade me. Let me just mark every time we play Cleveland this next season." Suddenly, there is a trial to spur growth. "I’m not a good enough shooter, I should go to the gym." "I’m not a good enough ball-handler, I should go to the gym." "I’m not an elite defender, I should spend time in the video room." "I’m not aggressive enough, I should shoot more." Maybe this trade will take Wiggins nice-guy personality and give him a competitive edge that causes greatness to develop. 

Maybe, maybe not. After thinking through what I know about Wiggins, I think it is a lot more likely that he could develop into a superstar in Minnesota, rather than Cleveland. Not because of rosters or environmnets or coaching, but because trading him may bring out the one quality that he needs to be great. 

A competitive edge. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[burgessfourParticipant]

While it would have been special to be in Cleveland with the King and Kyrie I think the better fit for years 2-4 is likely with the Wolves. If he really is going to be special he’ll have a much better chance of realizing his potential quicker with Minnesota. He’ll have a chance to quickly become a leader on a team full of young players with lots of potential. No doubt it hurts now for Wiggins and most Wolves fans but I think in the big picture this will work out well for all involved.

[burgessfourParticipant]

While it would have been special to be in Cleveland with the King and Kyrie I think the better fit for years 2-4 is likely with the Wolves. If he really is going to be special he’ll have a much better chance of realizing his potential quicker with Minnesota. He’ll have a chance to quickly become a leader on a team full of young players with lots of potential. No doubt it hurts now for Wiggins and most Wolves fans but I think in the big picture this will work out well for all involved.

[max23Participant]

Big Wigging fan, I think the best fit is where the best coaching and mentors are,and thats with the cavs.Being thrown to the wolves,no pun intended,and being expected to be a number 1 option,franchise type,isnt best for him.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

I agree with you to an extent, but where are the better mentors? Lebron has amazing skills, but he has never really developed younger players around him. Seriously, think through his teams. Most of the rookies failed to develop into solid players. 

The Cavs coach is a rookie coach, and even though he might be one of the best basketball minds in the world, he has not coached in the NBA. That adjustment could be tough. 

The Cavs also have guys like Mike Miller, James Jones, Anderson Varejao, and possibly Shawn Marion and Ray Allen. Each of those guys would be solid vets to be around and be mentored by. 

Whereas, Minny has an experienced NBA coach who has a history of developing young players (Garnett, Wall) in Flip Saunders. Chase Budinger and Mbouh a Moute are both known as good lockeroom guys. Not to mention he will be playing with one of the most intelligent basketball players in the NBA in Rubio (big statement, i know, but every advanced stat points to that fact). 

Also, I don’t think Saunders will make Wiggins the center of the offense right away. The offense will primarily run through pick and rolls with Rubio and postups with Pekovic and Young. Wiggins will get his opportunities on the fast breaks, back door cuts, and spot up shots. 

 

 

 

 

[max23Participant]

 Didnt know that about Flip.If hes not expected too much of too quick,it might be a great place for him after all.

[max23Participant]

 Didnt know that about Flip.If hes not expected too much of too quick,it might be a great place for him after all.

[treytalkssports.comParticipant]

I agree with you to an extent, but where are the better mentors? Lebron has amazing skills, but he has never really developed younger players around him. Seriously, think through his teams. Most of the rookies failed to develop into solid players. 

The Cavs coach is a rookie coach, and even though he might be one of the best basketball minds in the world, he has not coached in the NBA. That adjustment could be tough. 

The Cavs also have guys like Mike Miller, James Jones, Anderson Varejao, and possibly Shawn Marion and Ray Allen. Each of those guys would be solid vets to be around and be mentored by. 

Whereas, Minny has an experienced NBA coach who has a history of developing young players (Garnett, Wall) in Flip Saunders. Chase Budinger and Mbouh a Moute are both known as good lockeroom guys. Not to mention he will be playing with one of the most intelligent basketball players in the NBA in Rubio (big statement, i know, but every advanced stat points to that fact). 

Also, I don’t think Saunders will make Wiggins the center of the offense right away. The offense will primarily run through pick and rolls with Rubio and postups with Pekovic and Young. Wiggins will get his opportunities on the fast breaks, back door cuts, and spot up shots. 

 

 

 

 

[max23Participant]

Big Wigging fan, I think the best fit is where the best coaching and mentors are,and thats with the cavs.Being thrown to the wolves,no pun intended,and being expected to be a number 1 option,franchise type,isnt best for him.

[BlueLacesParticipant]

He has been heralded as the best wing prospect since Kevin Durant and was the number pick in what is considered the deepest draft in years, why shouldn’t he be expected to be a franchise changing player?

I personally don’t think the trade is going to have a negative effect on him.  He will be in a good situation regardless of where he plays.  In Minnesota, he will play next to Ricky who will make the game easier for him and I think Flip will have realistic expectations in his rookie year and will put him in spots that allow him to succeed and gain confidence.

[max23Participant]

If he was a franchise changing talent,he wouldnt have been traded.Do you thing Anthony Davis would have been traded his rookie season?Derrick Rose?.That hype was before he ever set foot in college,and people know now he has a lot of work ahead of him.There is no guarantee with him,although he does have lots of potential.

[max23Participant]

If he was a franchise changing talent,he wouldnt have been traded.Do you thing Anthony Davis would have been traded his rookie season?Derrick Rose?.That hype was before he ever set foot in college,and people know now he has a lot of work ahead of him.There is no guarantee with him,although he does have lots of potential.

[herceg_bukuParticipant]

 Chris Webber was a franchise player we all have to agree, but he was traded after being drafted. In reality there are no rules only future will tell who will amount to anything, for all we know Elfrid PAyton may end up being the best player out of the draft 15 years from now. There are so many factors that will play into all of these rookies careers such as coaching, injuries, off court issues… But i must admit its fun to speculate and assume who will become what

[herceg_bukuParticipant]

 Chris Webber was a franchise player we all have to agree, but he was traded after being drafted. In reality there are no rules only future will tell who will amount to anything, for all we know Elfrid PAyton may end up being the best player out of the draft 15 years from now. There are so many factors that will play into all of these rookies careers such as coaching, injuries, off court issues… But i must admit its fun to speculate and assume who will become what

[BlueLacesParticipant]

He has been heralded as the best wing prospect since Kevin Durant and was the number pick in what is considered the deepest draft in years, why shouldn’t he be expected to be a franchise changing player?

I personally don’t think the trade is going to have a negative effect on him.  He will be in a good situation regardless of where he plays.  In Minnesota, he will play next to Ricky who will make the game easier for him and I think Flip will have realistic expectations in his rookie year and will put him in spots that allow him to succeed and gain confidence.

[BlueLacesParticipant]

 Those circumstances were different. New Orleans and Chicago didn’t have the best player in the world fall in their laps immediately after drafting those guys.  The situation with the Cavs and Wiggins is unique. They opted to go the win-now route and trade him for a top ten player in the game right now which I think is the right call if you’re Cleveland. 

[BlueLacesParticipant]

 Those circumstances were different. New Orleans and Chicago didn’t have the best player in the world fall in their laps immediately after drafting those guys.  The situation with the Cavs and Wiggins is unique. They opted to go the win-now route and trade him for a top ten player in the game right now which I think is the right call if you’re Cleveland. 

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

in his game. Paul George hasn’t developed it yet and to a much lesser degree Durant’s F U mentality is more myth than matter.  

I’m sorry to see him go and now there is the rumor Bennett is being Flip’d to Philly for Young. Bennett and Wiggins are good genuine friends and both seem like people pleasers, especially Bennett. Bennett and Tristan are both from the same area and they claim that that never really met or had a meaningful conversation before he was a Cav. With Wiggins it was a totally different story and the new NBA model for building great teams might all revovle around getting friends together (who are of course good at basketball). Evry year we hear about Rondo teaming with Josh Smith or Rudy Gay. I hope they don’t get split up. 

 

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

in his game. Paul George hasn’t developed it yet and to a much lesser degree Durant’s F U mentality is more myth than matter.  

I’m sorry to see him go and now there is the rumor Bennett is being Flip’d to Philly for Young. Bennett and Wiggins are good genuine friends and both seem like people pleasers, especially Bennett. Bennett and Tristan are both from the same area and they claim that that never really met or had a meaningful conversation before he was a Cav. With Wiggins it was a totally different story and the new NBA model for building great teams might all revovle around getting friends together (who are of course good at basketball). Evry year we hear about Rondo teaming with Josh Smith or Rudy Gay. I hope they don’t get split up. 

 

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

 We know Philly wants him and I’m sure they told him that privately. Everyone remembers the show the front office put on about him predraft. If he wants to be wanted and not seen as a pawn then thats the place for him…eventually.  

[TheArtistPaysthePriceParticipant]

 We know Philly wants him and I’m sure they told him that privately. Everyone remembers the show the front office put on about him predraft. If he wants to be wanted and not seen as a pawn then thats the place for him…eventually.  

[phila9012Participant]

 I think Minnesota is better for him than cleveland. People said he was too passive. He would probably be very passive in cleveland where he would be surrounded by lebron, kyrie and waiters. In minnesota he is going to be allowed to shoot as often as he wants and will have more pressure on him to perform night in and night out because they will need him. In cleveland they wouldnt have needed him to get more than 112 or 14 points a night.

[phila9012Participant]

 I think Minnesota is better for him than cleveland. People said he was too passive. He would probably be very passive in cleveland where he would be surrounded by lebron, kyrie and waiters. In minnesota he is going to be allowed to shoot as often as he wants and will have more pressure on him to perform night in and night out because they will need him. In cleveland they wouldnt have needed him to get more than 112 or 14 points a night.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I think Andrew Wiggins’ feelings and ego are definitely bruised. Imagine being the number one pick and you’re supposed to be this franchise changing talent, then the best player in the world decides to come home, stealing all of the spotlight from you. Then he writes this major letter and mentions playing with his new teammates, but doesn’t mention you. Your name is mentioned in trade rumors everyday and you’ve yet to play a game. 

I think Wiggins wanted to be apart of what is to come in Cleveland. There’s no doubt being traded has caused him to feel "not wanted", but I think this situation will make him stronger. He’s found out quickly that the NBA is a business. I think he’ll use this as motivation. I actually think it will give him that FU attitude to show Cleveland and LEBRON that they made a mistake letting him go. He’s going to play with a chip on his shoulder because of this and to be honest… That’s exactly what he needed. 

 

 

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

I think Andrew Wiggins’ feelings and ego are definitely bruised. Imagine being the number one pick and you’re supposed to be this franchise changing talent, then the best player in the world decides to come home, stealing all of the spotlight from you. Then he writes this major letter and mentions playing with his new teammates, but doesn’t mention you. Your name is mentioned in trade rumors everyday and you’ve yet to play a game. 

I think Wiggins wanted to be apart of what is to come in Cleveland. There’s no doubt being traded has caused him to feel "not wanted", but I think this situation will make him stronger. He’s found out quickly that the NBA is a business. I think he’ll use this as motivation. I actually think it will give him that FU attitude to show Cleveland and LEBRON that they made a mistake letting him go. He’s going to play with a chip on his shoulder because of this and to be honest… That’s exactly what he needed. 

 

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I think this is a great landing spot for Wiggins.  Obviously learning from Lebron would be ideal for a young player like Wiggins, especially with his potential.  However playing in Minny should help him develop in his own way.  Playing next to Rubio he is surely going to get the ball where he likes it, and get plenty of attempts.  A young core of Rubio, Wiggins, Lavine, Dieng and what should be Bennett, is a good start. 

I think it’s a terrible idea if they do move Bennett for Thad Young as is rumored.  It just seems like an odd fit to add Young, Flip can’t possibly think he will make the playoffs with that squad.  With Bennett they still get a solid potential player, on a rookie contract, though I guess since he is a number one pick it does get pretty high.

 

[Magic JordanParticipant]

 I think this is a great landing spot for Wiggins.  Obviously learning from Lebron would be ideal for a young player like Wiggins, especially with his potential.  However playing in Minny should help him develop in his own way.  Playing next to Rubio he is surely going to get the ball where he likes it, and get plenty of attempts.  A young core of Rubio, Wiggins, Lavine, Dieng and what should be Bennett, is a good start. 

I think it’s a terrible idea if they do move Bennett for Thad Young as is rumored.  It just seems like an odd fit to add Young, Flip can’t possibly think he will make the playoffs with that squad.  With Bennett they still get a solid potential player, on a rookie contract, though I guess since he is a number one pick it does get pretty high.

 

[WarblingSpamalopeParticipant]

 I agree that Minnesota will be better for his ascension. He will be given the ball in late game situations but the offense wont be that stressful since the lineup of Rubio Martin young and pek won’t struggle to score. I think he will be asked to take the best perimeter scorer on defense for either team. I’m sure everything is awkward for him right now. I’m curious to see his timberwolves intro press conference to hear his take.

[WarblingSpamalopeParticipant]

 I agree that Minnesota will be better for his ascension. He will be given the ball in late game situations but the offense wont be that stressful since the lineup of Rubio Martin young and pek won’t struggle to score. I think he will be asked to take the best perimeter scorer on defense for either team. I’m sure everything is awkward for him right now. I’m curious to see his timberwolves intro press conference to hear his take.

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 Wiggins should get angry, get fired up, get mad and prove to the Cavs that they made a HUGE mistake by trading him.

[TarHeelRavenParticipant]

 Wiggins should get angry, get fired up, get mad and prove to the Cavs that they made a HUGE mistake by trading him.

[kazamParticipant]

 The Wolves dont have the best track record for developing their guys. Rubio hasnt improved much in the past few years. His jumper is still as broken as ever. Regardless, i’m going to do my best to get out to a few T-Wolves games this year to see if the young legs can put on a show. 

[kazamParticipant]

 The Wolves dont have the best track record for developing their guys. Rubio hasnt improved much in the past few years. His jumper is still as broken as ever. Regardless, i’m going to do my best to get out to a few T-Wolves games this year to see if the young legs can put on a show. 

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