[high floorParticipant]

Two of the game’s most dynamic, exciting young talents are none other than Andrew Wiggins & Giannis Antetokounmpo. I’ve posted comparisons like this for other young players in the past, and usually like to cite statistics to outline where each compare and contrast in the daily box score. But a couple problems exist with that format. Wiggins rookie stats easily supercede Antetokounmpo’s… but Giannis played much less minutes. Hell, Giannis played less mpg in his sophomore year than Wiggins last season. To further complicate things, their birthdays are really close together at less than 3 months apart with Wiggins (the lesser experienced NBA player) actually having a distinct advantage in amateur competition & pre-NBA experience. So let’s simply go off the eye test, and how we see each player’s individual skill set contributing to their teams winning basketball games in the future.

Giannis:

• Other-worldly length to go with elite athletic ability. Can literally take 2 dribbles from the half court and legally score a layup or dunk
• Developing 3pt shot (35% in Eurobasket this summer)
• Devastating defensive potential
• Gets to the rim while remaining balanced and in control
• Averaged a very respectable 2.6 assists, showing potential playmaking ability
• Key piece to a surprising, very young playoff entrance last season

Wiggins:

• Greatly improved shot-mechanics
• Surprisingly crafty in how he manufactures points, ala post moves and spins
• Also has annual DPOY potential
• Showed a level-headedness that many great players possess. Doesn’t get too high or too low on himself
• Also seems very coachable, allowing him to add new winning ingedients to his game each year
• Very good at getting his shot off under durress. Was often guarded by other team’s best perimeter defender last year

This is a brutally tough call. Literally razor thin. But I think I have to go with Wiggins simply becuase of his offensive ceiling and ability to create off the dribble a bit more for himself and his teammates. 

[oc1234Participant]

 I’d like to give the edge to Wiggins because he can actually shoot from outside the arc, but Giannis also has a playmaking edge at this point. I’d have to give it to Wiggins because his rookie year he averaged more points than Giannis has his entire short career and I think Wiggins will gradually become a better playmaker in time. 

[oc1234Participant]

 I’d like to give the edge to Wiggins because he can actually shoot from outside the arc, but Giannis also has a playmaking edge at this point. I’d have to give it to Wiggins because his rookie year he averaged more points than Giannis has his entire short career and I think Wiggins will gradually become a better playmaker in time. 

[T Rex]

Wiggins being excited to go to Minny was a red flag, looking back. He didn’t step up in the FIBA Americas, especially in their last game when an OLYMPIC BID was on the line.

You wouldn’t have guessed he was on a bottom 3 team from the contented smile on his face last year.

Have you guys seen Giannis this summer? He’s built like a tank now. Holy crap!

Giannis’ huge size/length advantage puts him over Wiggins in my opinion.

[BlueLacesParticipant]

 I’m surprised T Rex didn’t bring up Kelly Oubre and say he’s a better long term prospect than both…

[BlueLacesParticipant]

 I’m surprised T Rex didn’t bring up Kelly Oubre and say he’s a better long term prospect than both…

[T Rex]

Wiggins being excited to go to Minny was a red flag, looking back. He didn’t step up in the FIBA Americas, especially in their last game when an OLYMPIC BID was on the line.

You wouldn’t have guessed he was on a bottom 3 team from the contented smile on his face last year.

Have you guys seen Giannis this summer? He’s built like a tank now. Holy crap!

Giannis’ huge size/length advantage puts him over Wiggins in my opinion.

[HeroescantdieParticipant]

I think we can also factor that the wolves is building around wiggins, They are molding him to be their go to guy. while for Giannis the bucks are leaning on parker to be their man, But we can’t project the future, what if Giannis surpass parker. I think giannis has more handles than wiigins. Giannis ceiling for me is if the bucks hold on to their roster right now he’s gonna be a 2nd option on a on this team behind jabari. So I have to go with Wiggins.

[HeroescantdieParticipant]

I think we can also factor that the wolves is building around wiggins, They are molding him to be their go to guy. while for Giannis the bucks are leaning on parker to be their man, But we can’t project the future, what if Giannis surpass parker. I think giannis has more handles than wiigins. Giannis ceiling for me is if the bucks hold on to their roster right now he’s gonna be a 2nd option on a on this team behind jabari. So I have to go with Wiggins.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Man I can easily see Giannis play a huge part of making Milwaukee a east beast, and if he can land with a solid #1 option, that team can be a title contender.

but wiggins can be that guy to put his team on his backing offense and then lock up the opposing teams #1 option, being the franchise player for a serious title contending team. 

Im going with Wiggins, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Giannis sometime down the line made a couple all-NBA teams.

[SkalAndJamalParticipant]

Man I can easily see Giannis play a huge part of making Milwaukee a east beast, and if he can land with a solid #1 option, that team can be a title contender.

but wiggins can be that guy to put his team on his backing offense and then lock up the opposing teams #1 option, being the franchise player for a serious title contending team. 

Im going with Wiggins, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Giannis sometime down the line made a couple all-NBA teams.

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Wiggins scores more and fouls less, he is a bit better from long range and at the foul line.  They get similar steals.  G Freak gets twice as many blocks, a few more assists, many more rebounds, and has a better field goal percentage.  Wiggins is ahead in PER, G Freak has a better true shooting percentage.  Wiggins can play two positions, G Freak can play three and there was talk about trying him at another spot.

The idea is that Wiggins is better, he was a top overall pick, but for all the things they do for their team they are close.  But Wiggins is someone who is a go-to player, only K Martin had more shot attempts per game for Minnesota last year and Martin missed half the season.  Wiggins led all T-Wolves in minutes.  G Freak was 5th at the Bucks for shots per game, so he isn’t needed to carry the offensive load and isn’t asked to, and maybe he can’t.  He was 2nd on Bucks for minutes per game, with Knight there, and then he and MCW and Middleton had similar numbers as the best Bucks.

Would Minnesota trade Wiggins away for G Freak, no chance.  Would Milwaukee trade away G Freak to get Wiggins, they may not but they would think about it a long time.  As G Freak doesn’t take lots of shots, he is a good fit with J Parker, G Monroe, Middleton, Mayo, MCW.

Wiggins is better, but wait for this season and see what happens, they both should improve a lot.  Certainly an interesting question, 

I put G Freak there instead of Giannis Antetokounmpo as spelling that long name is too difficult, and sometimes here if I cut-and-paste a name it doesn’t allow the message to be posted.

 

 

 

 

[ExumInfernoParticipant]

 Wiggins scores more and fouls less, he is a bit better from long range and at the foul line.  They get similar steals.  G Freak gets twice as many blocks, a few more assists, many more rebounds, and has a better field goal percentage.  Wiggins is ahead in PER, G Freak has a better true shooting percentage.  Wiggins can play two positions, G Freak can play three and there was talk about trying him at another spot.

The idea is that Wiggins is better, he was a top overall pick, but for all the things they do for their team they are close.  But Wiggins is someone who is a go-to player, only K Martin had more shot attempts per game for Minnesota last year and Martin missed half the season.  Wiggins led all T-Wolves in minutes.  G Freak was 5th at the Bucks for shots per game, so he isn’t needed to carry the offensive load and isn’t asked to, and maybe he can’t.  He was 2nd on Bucks for minutes per game, with Knight there, and then he and MCW and Middleton had similar numbers as the best Bucks.

Would Minnesota trade Wiggins away for G Freak, no chance.  Would Milwaukee trade away G Freak to get Wiggins, they may not but they would think about it a long time.  As G Freak doesn’t take lots of shots, he is a good fit with J Parker, G Monroe, Middleton, Mayo, MCW.

Wiggins is better, but wait for this season and see what happens, they both should improve a lot.  Certainly an interesting question, 

I put G Freak there instead of Giannis Antetokounmpo as spelling that long name is too difficult, and sometimes here if I cut-and-paste a name it doesn’t allow the message to be posted.

 

 

 

 

[haysoos2uParticipant]

The one thing that Wiggins possesses that Giannis doesn’t is the natural ability to score the ball. In short, it’s like asking, "who do you take, Scottie Pippen or Kobe Bryant".. you have two of the league’s most unique talents but it’s really about what you like.. their respective skill sets are conducive to what their teams want and need… But if I had to choose, I’d lean toward Wiggins’ otherworldly athleticism over Giannis’ insane length..

[T Rex]

 No. Giannis has potential to be a point center. I’m not even sure Wiggins is strong enough to play SF for a winning team. And even if he is strong enough to play SF (barely), positional value gives the huge edge to Giannis.

I don’t even think Wiggins is 6’8". I think he got hidden by avoiding the Combine. In the same way, Justise Winslow would still probably be viewed as 6’7" if he had skipped the combine, rather than show up at 6’4.5" without (platform) shoes.

No other sub 200 lb player has been given such a pass for being so decidedly underweight for position than Wiggins. Even kids 15 lbs stronger get doubts about their strength for SF.

But everybody is fine with seeing Wiggins put up numbers on a bad team, with a big smile, while playing "defense" against guys 30-40 lbs stronger than him.

Then there’s the fact that Wiggins has rarely, if ever, stepped up and not turned into a wallflower during big games. Including this summer in FIBA Americas, where he didn’t really look like a special talent at all.

Just a 6’7" sub-200 lb shooting guard with a shaky jump shot and lack of strength to absorb contact all game and impose his will.

Then you look at his frame, and it’s clear that he’s in the Tayshaun Prince/Rip Hamilton mold, the body type that doesn’t just magically gain 20 lbs of muscle, even over 10 years.

 

 

 

[BiggaveliiiParticipant]

its funny cause you’ve been bashing Wiggginss for the past week. I get it you dont like him but who in the world actually spends their time to post hate comments. I get it its your very own opinion and for that theres not much to be said, but damnnnn dude now you question his height and weight. Wiggins for his age is along the right path. In the FIBA tournament obviously he didnt got 100% i dont even think he went 70% because hes got an obligation to the Timberwolves. Both players have a bright future and i feel that having a good coaching system can further the development of these two young players. YOU need to stop hatin especially hating on a 20 year old who just won ROY and has only been in the league for a year.

[T Rex]

 I suppose you’re a MCW fan too, what with the ROY and all…

 

 

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 It’s a good thing Wiggins doesn’t way a lot right now. Or else he’ll screw his whole career up like apparently Jabari Parker has. Right T Rex? Or am I misunderstanding you?

[ZachAttackParticipant]

 It’s a good thing Wiggins doesn’t way a lot right now. Or else he’ll screw his whole career up like apparently Jabari Parker has. Right T Rex? Or am I misunderstanding you?

[T Rex]

 I suppose you’re a MCW fan too, what with the ROY and all…

 

 

[BiggaveliiiParticipant]

its funny cause you’ve been bashing Wiggginss for the past week. I get it you dont like him but who in the world actually spends their time to post hate comments. I get it its your very own opinion and for that theres not much to be said, but damnnnn dude now you question his height and weight. Wiggins for his age is along the right path. In the FIBA tournament obviously he didnt got 100% i dont even think he went 70% because hes got an obligation to the Timberwolves. Both players have a bright future and i feel that having a good coaching system can further the development of these two young players. YOU need to stop hatin especially hating on a 20 year old who just won ROY and has only been in the league for a year.

[Pro-21Participant]

 He officially measured at 6’8.75" in shoes with a 7 ft wingspan and an 8’11" standing reach. To give you an idea of where that stands, kevin love is about .75 inches taller, with an 8’10" standing reach. Wiggins easily has elite size for a SF. 

As for your claims about him being unable to finish through contact, he shot a pretty strong 66% at the rim this year. LeBron was at 70% last year, ruday gay finishes at about 67% usually, so wiggins will easily get to 70% at his best. He has wiry strength and is simply too good of an athlete not to. 

I have some doubts about Wiggins’ because he doesn’t look guard-like. I don’t think he’ll ever be an elite iso player or a primary ballhandler, but i do see him making the allstar team a few times.

Giannis is young, but we’ll see. He strikes me as someone who can do a lot of intriguing things, but never quite manages to become a truly dominant player.

 

 

 

 

 

[Pro-21Participant]

 He officially measured at 6’8.75" in shoes with a 7 ft wingspan and an 8’11" standing reach. To give you an idea of where that stands, kevin love is about .75 inches taller, with an 8’10" standing reach. Wiggins easily has elite size for a SF. 

As for your claims about him being unable to finish through contact, he shot a pretty strong 66% at the rim this year. LeBron was at 70% last year, ruday gay finishes at about 67% usually, so wiggins will easily get to 70% at his best. He has wiry strength and is simply too good of an athlete not to. 

I have some doubts about Wiggins’ because he doesn’t look guard-like. I don’t think he’ll ever be an elite iso player or a primary ballhandler, but i do see him making the allstar team a few times.

Giannis is young, but we’ll see. He strikes me as someone who can do a lot of intriguing things, but never quite manages to become a truly dominant player.

 

 

 

 

 

[SZ4LParticipant]

Do you not remember how ridiculously skinny Durant was his rookie year?  I don’t care how much he weighed, the dude looked like he’d never seen a gym before.

[SZ4LParticipant]

Do you not remember how ridiculously skinny Durant was his rookie year?  I don’t care how much he weighed, the dude looked like he’d never seen a gym before.

[T Rex]

 No. Giannis has potential to be a point center. I’m not even sure Wiggins is strong enough to play SF for a winning team. And even if he is strong enough to play SF (barely), positional value gives the huge edge to Giannis.

I don’t even think Wiggins is 6’8". I think he got hidden by avoiding the Combine. In the same way, Justise Winslow would still probably be viewed as 6’7" if he had skipped the combine, rather than show up at 6’4.5" without (platform) shoes.

No other sub 200 lb player has been given such a pass for being so decidedly underweight for position than Wiggins. Even kids 15 lbs stronger get doubts about their strength for SF.

But everybody is fine with seeing Wiggins put up numbers on a bad team, with a big smile, while playing "defense" against guys 30-40 lbs stronger than him.

Then there’s the fact that Wiggins has rarely, if ever, stepped up and not turned into a wallflower during big games. Including this summer in FIBA Americas, where he didn’t really look like a special talent at all.

Just a 6’7" sub-200 lb shooting guard with a shaky jump shot and lack of strength to absorb contact all game and impose his will.

Then you look at his frame, and it’s clear that he’s in the Tayshaun Prince/Rip Hamilton mold, the body type that doesn’t just magically gain 20 lbs of muscle, even over 10 years.

 

 

 

[haysoos2uParticipant]

The one thing that Wiggins possesses that Giannis doesn’t is the natural ability to score the ball. In short, it’s like asking, "who do you take, Scottie Pippen or Kobe Bryant".. you have two of the league’s most unique talents but it’s really about what you like.. their respective skill sets are conducive to what their teams want and need… But if I had to choose, I’d lean toward Wiggins’ otherworldly athleticism over Giannis’ insane length..

[Robb_CParticipant]

Wiggins is a consistent jump shot away from being a longer verison more athletic version of Jimmy Butler, Wiggins has all the tools but he’s still learning the game..

[Robb_CParticipant]

Wiggins is a consistent jump shot away from being a longer verison more athletic version of Jimmy Butler, Wiggins has all the tools but he’s still learning the game..

[Tap892Participant]

 After Giannis’s rookie season, his team had the worst record in the league, so I’m not sure why you would go after wiggins for being on a bad too. Young teams are going to struggle 

[Tap892Participant]

 After Giannis’s rookie season, his team had the worst record in the league, so I’m not sure why you would go after wiggins for being on a bad too. Young teams are going to struggle 

[T Rex]

 Wiggins stat line vs Venezuela with Olympic bid on the line:

4-11 fga, 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists. Result: LOSS, no Olympics

Wiggins stat line vs Stanford in 2nd round of NCAA tournament:

1-6 fga, 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist

 

I’ve never seen a bigger shrinking violet get more uncritical worship in my life.

198 lbs and he’s got "all the tools", smh.

All the tools except strength, courage, passing ability, rebounding ability, 3 point shot, and ability to step up in big games, or at least show up.

Terrence Ross has "all the tools" too

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Pro-21Participant]

 If we go by fiba, Kyrie Irving is the best guard in the NBA (top 5 pg in my opinion …) so that’s not a good way to evaluate wiggins. Fiba requires more outside shooting touch, which wiggins is still a bit shaky on. In the league, he’ll average around 20 points on 45% shooting and 6 rebounds thus year.

"Ability to step up" did you not see him go OFF against cleveland? He was absolutely taking it to LeBron the whole time, and he dropped over 30 both occassions. That is no coincidence that he would perform so well against his former team.

Yes, lets take a look back to 2+ years ago, great idea.

At 20 you can still fill out. Length and quickness are still more important than outright size. KD is still relatively skinny, and yet he finishes 78% at the rim. Wiggins has an elite first step for his size and power forward length, so again, thatwill not be a problem.

 

I think i reasonable midlevel ceiling for wiggins is a rich mans jimmy butler.

 

 

 

[Pro-21Participant]

 If we go by fiba, Kyrie Irving is the best guard in the NBA (top 5 pg in my opinion …) so that’s not a good way to evaluate wiggins. Fiba requires more outside shooting touch, which wiggins is still a bit shaky on. In the league, he’ll average around 20 points on 45% shooting and 6 rebounds thus year.

"Ability to step up" did you not see him go OFF against cleveland? He was absolutely taking it to LeBron the whole time, and he dropped over 30 both occassions. That is no coincidence that he would perform so well against his former team.

Yes, lets take a look back to 2+ years ago, great idea.

At 20 you can still fill out. Length and quickness are still more important than outright size. KD is still relatively skinny, and yet he finishes 78% at the rim. Wiggins has an elite first step for his size and power forward length, so again, thatwill not be a problem.

 

I think i reasonable midlevel ceiling for wiggins is a rich mans jimmy butler.

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 Wiggins stat line vs Venezuela with Olympic bid on the line:

4-11 fga, 9 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists. Result: LOSS, no Olympics

Wiggins stat line vs Stanford in 2nd round of NCAA tournament:

1-6 fga, 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist

 

I’ve never seen a bigger shrinking violet get more uncritical worship in my life.

198 lbs and he’s got "all the tools", smh.

All the tools except strength, courage, passing ability, rebounding ability, 3 point shot, and ability to step up in big games, or at least show up.

Terrence Ross has "all the tools" too

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Robb_CParticipant]

Dude Wiggins is only 20.. He’s still about 3 years away, Trex its obvious youre a simple minded basketball spectator.. He’s still learning the game, His potential is there just needs to be cultivated with solid coaching.

[T Rex]

 His potential is at SG, not SF. 

As far as his "tools", take a closer look. He’s 6’7.5 in shoes, max. But he has bigger problems than that.

He has a long neck. RJ Hunter’s (6’6") shoulders probably sit higher than Wiggins shoulders. Hunter has a short neck, while Wiggins has a long neck.

Hunter also weighs about 190, compared to Wiggins 200. But nobody is casually declaring that RJ Hunter is going to gain 30 lbs, easy or otherwise. But they probably would be saying that if Hunter did an East Bay dunk as a sophomore in high school. Then magically RJ Hunter would have clear "tools" to get up to 220, "at least".

Wiggins has thin-boned, skinny, narrow bone structure, like his Olympian mother. Wiggins must have a 28" waist or something, it’s tiny.

And no homo, but Wiggins has a gluteus minimus, rather than a maximus. No butt muscles, no hip size/leg bone size to gain significant weight. His upper legs are bean poles.

Take a look at high school/college pics of Pierce, Kobe, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, and you’ll see that even when they were very young and skinny, they still had bigger hips and butt muscles.

Hips and bone size are what actually constitute "frame", even though people use that word without having a clue.

But it gets even slightly worse for Wiggins. He has very long legs, which means his torso is small for his height. Combined with his low shoulder height, his high legs/hips means he actually has the torso of a 6’4", 6’5" player.

6’4-6’5, you know, the height of players who aren’t expected to gain 30 lbs in the future.

Take a closer look at Wiggins, and ask yourself just where exactly Wiggins is going to put 30 lbs of muscle.

His narrow legs mean he only has room for a pound on each leg. That’s 2 lbs.

His butt muscles could probably max out at about 1lb each, 2 lbs

His belly/ab muscles/love handles (every male has them)/ can probably add 3 lbs, total. Because there’s no there there.

Pec muscles, 2 lbs of muscle each, with heavy lifting. 4 lbs

Shoulders/arms/neck, He does have a long neck, which means room for weight in neck muscles. Arms are skinny though, so not a lot of room for muscle mass gain, especially since he already lifts. 3 lbs total.

That’s 14-15 lbs I can see him bulking up.

At 215 (Eventually) He could be a great SG with plenty of versatility to play some SF. He would still have poor "tools" for being a great SF.

Wiggins ceiling is still very high, because he should be able to be a great defender against SGs, especially at 215 lbs. And a great defensive SG who also averages 23-25 points on average efficiency is still a top NBA player.

But positional value tilts strongly toward Giannis, and passing ability is in Giannis’ favor as well.

And Giannis has as much or more of a quickness advantage against PFs and Cs than Wiggins has against SGs and SFs.

Giannis is simply more rare than Wiggins. 

If Wiggins was a little taller, a little longer, and a little stronger, like PG, he might just be a better prospect than Giannis.

When the next GOAT replaces Michael Jordan, it will probably be a 7 foot Magic Johnson, or a 7 foot Michael Jordan. It probably won’t be a skinny guard who’s not a good 3 point shooter, and who has the opposite personality as Michael D.B. Jordan.

 

 

 

 

[T Rex]

 His potential is at SG, not SF. 

As far as his "tools", take a closer look. He’s 6’7.5 in shoes, max. But he has bigger problems than that.

He has a long neck. RJ Hunter’s (6’6") shoulders probably sit higher than Wiggins shoulders. Hunter has a short neck, while Wiggins has a long neck.

Hunter also weighs about 190, compared to Wiggins 200. But nobody is casually declaring that RJ Hunter is going to gain 30 lbs, easy or otherwise. But they probably would be saying that if Hunter did an East Bay dunk as a sophomore in high school. Then magically RJ Hunter would have clear "tools" to get up to 220, "at least".

Wiggins has thin-boned, skinny, narrow bone structure, like his Olympian mother. Wiggins must have a 28" waist or something, it’s tiny.

And no homo, but Wiggins has a gluteus minimus, rather than a maximus. No butt muscles, no hip size/leg bone size to gain significant weight. His upper legs are bean poles.

Take a look at high school/college pics of Pierce, Kobe, Paul George, and Kawhi Leonard, and you’ll see that even when they were very young and skinny, they still had bigger hips and butt muscles.

Hips and bone size are what actually constitute "frame", even though people use that word without having a clue.

But it gets even slightly worse for Wiggins. He has very long legs, which means his torso is small for his height. Combined with his low shoulder height, his high legs/hips means he actually has the torso of a 6’4", 6’5" player.

6’4-6’5, you know, the height of players who aren’t expected to gain 30 lbs in the future.

Take a closer look at Wiggins, and ask yourself just where exactly Wiggins is going to put 30 lbs of muscle.

His narrow legs mean he only has room for a pound on each leg. That’s 2 lbs.

His butt muscles could probably max out at about 1lb each, 2 lbs

His belly/ab muscles/love handles (every male has them)/ can probably add 3 lbs, total. Because there’s no there there.

Pec muscles, 2 lbs of muscle each, with heavy lifting. 4 lbs

Shoulders/arms/neck, He does have a long neck, which means room for weight in neck muscles. Arms are skinny though, so not a lot of room for muscle mass gain, especially since he already lifts. 3 lbs total.

That’s 14-15 lbs I can see him bulking up.

At 215 (Eventually) He could be a great SG with plenty of versatility to play some SF. He would still have poor "tools" for being a great SF.

Wiggins ceiling is still very high, because he should be able to be a great defender against SGs, especially at 215 lbs. And a great defensive SG who also averages 23-25 points on average efficiency is still a top NBA player.

But positional value tilts strongly toward Giannis, and passing ability is in Giannis’ favor as well.

And Giannis has as much or more of a quickness advantage against PFs and Cs than Wiggins has against SGs and SFs.

Giannis is simply more rare than Wiggins. 

If Wiggins was a little taller, a little longer, and a little stronger, like PG, he might just be a better prospect than Giannis.

When the next GOAT replaces Michael Jordan, it will probably be a 7 foot Magic Johnson, or a 7 foot Michael Jordan. It probably won’t be a skinny guard who’s not a good 3 point shooter, and who has the opposite personality as Michael D.B. Jordan.

 

 

 

 

[Robb_CParticipant]

Dude Wiggins is only 20.. He’s still about 3 years away, Trex its obvious youre a simple minded basketball spectator.. He’s still learning the game, His potential is there just needs to be cultivated with solid coaching.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I would go with Giannis.  With him, you know how to build around him.  Get a guy inside, a point guard, then shooters on the outside.

With Wiggins, you expect him to be your first option on offense, but if he mentally checks out then his upside will be limited.

Giannis sounds more like a matchup nightmare.  Wiggins would be one if he bulks up and plays the 2.  But, if he can’t bulk up and has to play small forward, then he won’t have a distinct size advantage.

Defense WINS.  Length wins.  Versatility is VERY important these days.  So, I would go with Giannis.

I don’t compare Wiggins to Jordan or Kobe, mainly because of his mentality.  Even before he was a pro, my comparisons were a guy like Dr. J or a Scottie Pippen.  Not a big ALPHA mentality guy, but a guy who can do tons of different things, but not huge outside shooters.  

I think Wiggins’ build and athleticism is a lot like Scottie Pippen’s.

Wiggins’ calling card needs to be DEFENSE.  If he wants to be the ALPHA scorer then he needs to play the 2.

Another thing: Giannis doesn’t have to be the go-to guy on offense.  I would guess they still think Jabari Parker will be that guy.  Then I would have to bet on Jason Kidd turning this guy into an ELITE playmaker — if Giannis has it in him.

 

 

 

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

 I would go with Giannis.  With him, you know how to build around him.  Get a guy inside, a point guard, then shooters on the outside.

With Wiggins, you expect him to be your first option on offense, but if he mentally checks out then his upside will be limited.

Giannis sounds more like a matchup nightmare.  Wiggins would be one if he bulks up and plays the 2.  But, if he can’t bulk up and has to play small forward, then he won’t have a distinct size advantage.

Defense WINS.  Length wins.  Versatility is VERY important these days.  So, I would go with Giannis.

I don’t compare Wiggins to Jordan or Kobe, mainly because of his mentality.  Even before he was a pro, my comparisons were a guy like Dr. J or a Scottie Pippen.  Not a big ALPHA mentality guy, but a guy who can do tons of different things, but not huge outside shooters.  

I think Wiggins’ build and athleticism is a lot like Scottie Pippen’s.

Wiggins’ calling card needs to be DEFENSE.  If he wants to be the ALPHA scorer then he needs to play the 2.

Another thing: Giannis doesn’t have to be the go-to guy on offense.  I would guess they still think Jabari Parker will be that guy.  Then I would have to bet on Jason Kidd turning this guy into an ELITE playmaker — if Giannis has it in him.

 

 

 

[thparadoxParticipant]

It has to be Wiggins, for now. Until Giannis develops a decent jump shot he will be playing at half potential on offense.

I hope they both turn into superstars.

[thparadoxParticipant]

It has to be Wiggins, for now. Until Giannis develops a decent jump shot he will be playing at half potential on offense.

I hope they both turn into superstars.

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 & I don’t want to criticize either man b/c I’d LUV to have either on my Fav team but for the purposes of this conversation I’ll compare them since we are being asked to choose…. Wiggins is a thoroughbred that scouts have targeted for several years… He’s a Great athelete good defender, good scorer… He’s got star potential but I don;t think he is a #1 on Top team… Towns has to be that guy for the T-Wolves & that’s a good thing b/c Wiggins can be a great #2 or #3 option…. The Greek is a player that really came out of no where so we don;t hold him to the same high standards… He’s turned into a really nice player & we’ll have to see how he develops… He made Major leaps from year 1 to year 2 but for all his size he is not a shot blocker or a rebounder. In his 2 year career he’s averaging 9.8 pp, 5.6 reb & 2.3 ast w/ 0.9 blocks & a 46% FG% – Excellent young players both of them…. Wiggins avgeraged 16.9 ppg & 4.6 reb & 2.1 ast… & a 43.7% FG%… That’s A LOT points for a Rookie… We’ll see where they both go for here but it’s fun to talk about b/c there are quite a few very young but Very exciting players in the NBA right now….

[NBAjunkie81Participant]

 & I don’t want to criticize either man b/c I’d LUV to have either on my Fav team but for the purposes of this conversation I’ll compare them since we are being asked to choose…. Wiggins is a thoroughbred that scouts have targeted for several years… He’s a Great athelete good defender, good scorer… He’s got star potential but I don;t think he is a #1 on Top team… Towns has to be that guy for the T-Wolves & that’s a good thing b/c Wiggins can be a great #2 or #3 option…. The Greek is a player that really came out of no where so we don;t hold him to the same high standards… He’s turned into a really nice player & we’ll have to see how he develops… He made Major leaps from year 1 to year 2 but for all his size he is not a shot blocker or a rebounder. In his 2 year career he’s averaging 9.8 pp, 5.6 reb & 2.3 ast w/ 0.9 blocks & a 46% FG% – Excellent young players both of them…. Wiggins avgeraged 16.9 ppg & 4.6 reb & 2.1 ast… & a 43.7% FG%… That’s A LOT points for a Rookie… We’ll see where they both go for here but it’s fun to talk about b/c there are quite a few very young but Very exciting players in the NBA right now….

[GBeeParticipant]

 I like Giannis more long term.  My preference is for all-around players so I’m partial to Giannis.  Wiggins might have more potential as a scorer, but I don’t think Giannis is THAT far behind.  His physical tools in terms of length and agility for his size/position are only rivaled by KD in the league.  He’s got impressive ball and playmaking skills, better than Wiggins in both departments, which gives him more potential in the most important offensive play in the game: the pick and roll.  That was one thing that I noticed about his game even before he came to the NBA, his instincts as a PnR handler are very good which was surprising given his size, but at the same time not surprising considering how PnR-heavy Greek basketball is.  His shot is also coming along nicely, gradually building the mid game that he showed last year and looking good shooting the deep ball during Eurobasket.  

I also think GA has more potential defensively.  He’s already good defensively.  He’s long, active, plays with good intensity.  Being able to defend 3s and 4s provides more versatility than someone who can guard 2s and 3s IMO, because as the 4 he can be more involved in weak side help near the paint.  That’s where I think GA has the greater defensive potential, as a team defender.  Wiggins has tremendous tools too, he just doesn’t have what GA has.  I’m not even convinced Wiggins will become the great defender he was assumed to become.  He was very mediocre on that end in college.  Last year he was bad too.  He might have the tools, but idk if he has the intensity or "dog" in him to be a really good one.  I’ve never seen a really good perimeter defender lack intensity.  He just kinda goes with the flow on that end, not even trying to be disruptive, make plays or force counters.

[GBeeParticipant]

 I like Giannis more long term.  My preference is for all-around players so I’m partial to Giannis.  Wiggins might have more potential as a scorer, but I don’t think Giannis is THAT far behind.  His physical tools in terms of length and agility for his size/position are only rivaled by KD in the league.  He’s got impressive ball and playmaking skills, better than Wiggins in both departments, which gives him more potential in the most important offensive play in the game: the pick and roll.  That was one thing that I noticed about his game even before he came to the NBA, his instincts as a PnR handler are very good which was surprising given his size, but at the same time not surprising considering how PnR-heavy Greek basketball is.  His shot is also coming along nicely, gradually building the mid game that he showed last year and looking good shooting the deep ball during Eurobasket.  

I also think GA has more potential defensively.  He’s already good defensively.  He’s long, active, plays with good intensity.  Being able to defend 3s and 4s provides more versatility than someone who can guard 2s and 3s IMO, because as the 4 he can be more involved in weak side help near the paint.  That’s where I think GA has the greater defensive potential, as a team defender.  Wiggins has tremendous tools too, he just doesn’t have what GA has.  I’m not even convinced Wiggins will become the great defender he was assumed to become.  He was very mediocre on that end in college.  Last year he was bad too.  He might have the tools, but idk if he has the intensity or "dog" in him to be a really good one.  I’ve never seen a really good perimeter defender lack intensity.  He just kinda goes with the flow on that end, not even trying to be disruptive, make plays or force counters.

[European BasketballerParticipant]

 Giannis did not look good shooting the ball during Eurobasket. That is totally false. He was left wide open the whole tournament, and every single team doubled Spanoulis the entire time, leaving always Giannis as the one to be open to allow to double Spanoulis. Teams did not even double off Calathes, until Giannis was on the bench, and Calathes is a horrible jump shooter.

And Giannis missed by far most of the passes that Spanoulis then made to him off the double teams. That was the strategy every team had, and it worked.

And whenever he tried to shoot contested jump shots, by going one to one, he rarely made them.

And he only shot I think like 35%, being left wide open all the time.

That’s hardly anything remotely near doing well shooting the 3.

He was a huge liability for Greece in the half court offense during the entire tournament.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[European BasketballerParticipant]

 Giannis did not look good shooting the ball during Eurobasket. That is totally false. He was left wide open the whole tournament, and every single team doubled Spanoulis the entire time, leaving always Giannis as the one to be open to allow to double Spanoulis. Teams did not even double off Calathes, until Giannis was on the bench, and Calathes is a horrible jump shooter.

And Giannis missed by far most of the passes that Spanoulis then made to him off the double teams. That was the strategy every team had, and it worked.

And whenever he tried to shoot contested jump shots, by going one to one, he rarely made them.

And he only shot I think like 35%, being left wide open all the time.

That’s hardly anything remotely near doing well shooting the 3.

He was a huge liability for Greece in the half court offense during the entire tournament.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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