The Future of Shooting Guards
Andrew Wiggins – Minnesota Timberwolves
Andrew Wiggins came into the 2014 NBA Draft with the most hype and excitement surrounding a player since King James himself over a decade ago. Without question it has been nearly impossible for him to live up to what was expected of him, and quite frankly being shipped off to one of the NBA’s worst teams prior to his first season even commencing certainly didn’t help.
Mar 13, 2015; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins (22) warms up prior to action against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Wiggins has still managed to show up every day and produce, though, for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite not putting up ground breaking statistics by any means, he has thus far secured a spot as front runner for the annual Rookie of the Year crown.
He has solidified himself as a top-tier young talent and his raw athleticism is something that those around the league are still looking forward to seeing him unleash in due time.
What makes Wiggins so special in the two-guard spot quite frankly is his size and athleticism. He’s made from a different mold than your average three-point marksman on the wing, and in all honesty that’s because in most other places he’d be a small forward.
Giannis Antetokoumpo – Milwaukee Bucks
Mar 14, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward
Giannis Antetokounmpo(34) drives against the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Milwaukee 96-83. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
The man is conveniently known by the much simpler to pronounce nickname: The Greek Freak. That in itself speaks to how people think of him as a basketball player. At 6-11, the only real reason that he is listed as a shooting guard on the All-Future team is because theres a log jam at the 3 and the fact of the matter is he is far too good to leave off of this list.
Antetokounmpo is playing in just his second NBA season out in Milwaukee. At age 20, he’s still widely considered a raw prospect with incredible athletic gifts. However his skills have been developing along quite well since his entrance into the league. In his first two years he has managed to steadily up his number in practically every statistical category.
Despite a sub-par outing in the Slam Dunk Contest this year, he has a lot going for him. He’s playing under the leadership of one of the game’s greatest Point Guards (and plausible candidate for 2015 Coach of the Year) in Jason Kidd, he has helped his entire team make the leap from NBA cellar to playoff contention, and he’s still got so much time to grow.
Next: Small Forwards