Andrew Wiggins, contrary to popular belief, is worthy of his all-star selection

It may not be popular but Andrew Wiggins is worthy of his all-star selection. 

It’s been a long time coming for Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins entered the league as the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft and many thought that he would have a career that would transcend him into superstardom and become the next big thing. As with all first overall selections, big things are expected and sometimes things just don’t turn out as planned.

Wiggins began his career as a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves as a 19-year-old kid after playing one year of college basketball at the University of Kansas. Wiggins went on to win the Rookie of the Year award in his first season in Minnesota averaging 16.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.

The future appeared to be bright for the Wolves as they seemed to have finally gotten that player who would lead their team into the future. Wiggins’s tenure in Minnesota only lasted six seasons as they made only one playoff appearance during that time. Finally, the Wolves decided that it was best to part ways with Wiggins as Karl-Anthony Towns entrenched himself as the team’s franchise player.

Wiggins was traded to the Golden State Warriors and it was the best thing that could have happened to him and his career, Not only was he going to a team with a penchant for winning but he was also going to a situation where he didn’t have to deal with the pressure of carrying a team on his back as he has adapted to the Warriors winning culture. Wiggins has always been talented, humble, and has always been an all-star caliber player but more importantly, he has always been a great teammate.

Wiggins is a hard worker, he never complains, and gives one hundred percent every game which is why there was no other player more deserving of starting in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game than him. He is also much more than an offensive threat. His lockdown defense, durability, dependability, and ability to score at all three levels are just a few of the attributes he brings to a team.

Golden State was the perfect place for him to continue his career. Their front office is excellent at putting players in a position to succeed. Wiggins just needed the push, the right coaches, and the right training staff at his disposal and now that he has just that, the sky is the limit. He’s always had that extra gear that the elite players possess along with his physical tools and talent.

Even as a rookie he was productive and you could tell that he had the potential to be great one day. Even though the fans voted him in, his quality as an all-star should be recognized due to the way he carries himself and the way he approaches the game as a true professional. Hopefully, this all-star selection is just the beginning of many for Wiggins.

He never gave up and never folded under the pressure of immediately becoming a superstar but he is well on his way to proving the critics wrong about being a bust.