Andrew Wiggins had the worst season of his career last year, but the Warriors say he’s ready for a bounce-back season in 2024-25.
Wiggins was traded to the Warriors from Wolves at the 2020 deadline and it was the best thing that ever happened to him.
He dismissed the myth that he was a No.1 draft pick bust and became an All-Star in 2022, while playing a key role in Golden State’s championship.
Last year was a year to forget for the 29-year-old, but Kerr says the team is counting on him as the team’s second-leading scorer behind Steph Curry.
“I think there is a void left by Klay’s absence that we need to fill,” said Kerr. “We have a lot of points to get.
“But it also means we have to rethink how we do things, and Wiggs will definitely be featured. He’s a guy that’s proven to be a 20-point every night guy, and we’re going to rely on him a lot.”
Despite the recent death of his father, Kerr says Wiggins is locked in and ready for the return season.
“He looks in good physical health,” Kerr said. “I think he also looks … just talking to him, he sounds inspired. He is very peaceful. I think he’s in a place where he knows the last few years have been tough for a lot of reasons, and I think he’s ready to get back to where he was the last few years.
“He’s at an age where he’s young, and we’ve seen him do it before. He helped us win the title. I expect a big year from Wiggs.”
Everyone in The Bay seems optimistic about the upcoming season, including second-year guard Brandin Podziemski, who talked about the new energy surrounding the young-looking team.
“I feel like we’re small,” Podziemski said Heroes on NBCS. “We are new. Obviously, our new pieces – De’Anthony [Melton]Buddy [Hield]Kyle [Anderson]and our draft picks Quinten [Post] – it feels like something new. And Klay [Thompson] and Chris [Paul] it’s gone, it’s going to be different, but I think we’re full of energy and ready to go and see where we can take it.”
READ MORE: The Best Reactions to Derrick Rose’s NBA Retirement
Source link
