NBA Rumors: Andrew Wiggins Not Pleased With His Role in Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves is a shoo-in to the NBA playoffs. The question is whether or not the Tim Thibodeau-coached team is destined for an early exit in the playoffs. They lost Jimmy Butler to an injury, possibly for the remainder of the season. Now, there are rumors that Andrew Wiggins is unhappy with his role in the team.
Near the start of this NBA season, Wiggins made a highlight play by converting on a shot from near-midcourt as time expired, lifting the Timberwolves over the Oklahoma Thunder. There was no play in that buzzer-beating shot: Wiggins just found the ball in his hand and heaved.
If there had been a time-out and a play, the likelihood is that someone else would have taken the last shot for Minnesota, maybe Karl-Anthony Towns, or Butler if he was healthy.
The rumor is that Wiggins is not pleased to be the third option of the team behind Towns or Butler, Sir Charles In Charge reported. If the rumor is true, it is an issue that Thibodeau needs to address soonest.
He may have to do what Gregg Popovich did in San Antonio, making it clear to LaMarcus Aldridge that the Spurs will not trade him so they may as well work together. Thibodeau has a lot of power in Minnesota: This was exhibited when Derrick Rose was signed up recently, reuniting him with his former Chicago Bulls coach.
It is conceivable that Rose's presence is something that the coach wanted, although it is not clear yet if Rose is what the doctor ordered for the Timberwolves' chances in the playoffs.
It is self-evident that Wiggins is an asset on whom the team has been willing to spend resources. They traded Kevin Love in 2014 to acquire Wiggins, a first overall draft pick in that year.
In October of last year, they signed him to a $150 million 5-year contract extension, NBA.com reported.
Many people see this Minnesota team as a young group that may not get far this season. With a couple of years, however, that talented young core will have gained considerable experience.
It would be a waste of player development if Andrew Wiggins were to be excluded from it.