As the post-All-Star break portion of the Golden State Warriors’ season begins, they find themselves in a unique position in comparison to other teams stuck at the bottom of the NBA’s standings.
Most teams with bottom records are rebuilding for the future, but Golden State is eyeing a return to the playoffs as soon as next season.
A key factor in Golden State’s climb back to the top of the NBA mountain is the newest Warrior, Andrew Wiggins.
Wiggins has only played three games in Golden State, but his first impression has been well received. At Warriors practice on the final day of the All-Star break, Draymond Green praised Wiggins’ defensive abilities. Green compared Wiggins to his former teammate, Kevin Durant on the defensive end.
Via Anthony Slater of The Athletic:
I think he can be an All-Defensive player. That’s one of my goals for him. As a leader of this team, one of my things that I really want to push him on. He has all the tools he has the athleticism — reminds me a lot of Kevin [Durant] as a defender where they’re both long and lanky, but agile and can move — very skinny guys, but not weak. From that aspect, he reminds me a lot of Kevin — Kevin is a great defender.
In three games with Golden State, Wiggins has registered new career highs in both blocks (4) and steals (5). The former Rookie of the Year has tangled against a trio of All-Star talents on the defensive end in his short time with the Warriors. Wiggins has drawn the assignment of guarding LeBron James, Jimmy Butler and Devin Booker in consecutive games.
If he [Wiggins] can continue to build on that which I think he can, the couple games that he’s been here I’ve seen him matchup with some pretty good guys, he shows a lot of promise on that side of the ball. I think defensively; he can be really, really good.
Draymond Green on Andrew Wiggins: “I think he can be an All-Defensive player.” pic.twitter.com/ixDvdH5kE9
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 19, 2020
Playing alongside a former Defensive Player of the Year like Green will only benefit Wiggins’ development. If Green and Wiggins connect, the Warriors could have a stout defensive duo heading into next season.