Flip Saunders won’t commit to Andrew Wiggins as starter
When the Minnesota Timberwolves made the trade for Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Bennett, and Thaddeus Young, it was hard to get a grasp on what head coach Flip Saunders wanted out of the T’Wolves group this upcoming season — to tank for a top pick or to compete in the hectic Western Conference.
We may now have a glimpse into his vision as the head coach won’t commit to 2014 number overall pick in Wiggins being a starter for the 2014-15 season.
Asked of #Twolves starters, Flip Saunders told @105theticket youngsters to be interspersed w/ vets. Noncommittal on Andrew Wiggins starting.
— Andy Greder (@twolvesnow) September 17, 2014
More from Minnesota Timberwolves
- NBA Rumors: When to expect Karl-Anthony Towns trade talks to heat up
- NBA rumors: Karl-Anthony Towns trade talks will heat up in February
- The new NBA flopping rules explained
- NBA rumors: 4 teams not named Heat or Nets engaged on Damian Lillard trade
- 2023 NBA Free Agency: 5 underrated deals that could shift NBA landscape
While this could be fluff from Saunders as he doesn’t want to admit whatever his strategy is, this could also be a sign that Saunders want to compete out West.
Considering Wiggins is the franchise player in Minny, the smart thing to do would be to start him and get an immediate start on his development because if he’s as good as the scouts projected him to be, the sooner he reaches that point means the closer Minnesota will be to a playoff birth.
The alternative for Saunders if Wiggins isn’t a go? Last seasons starting small forward Corey Brewer. Last year, Brewer averaged 12.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game. That’s solid for a 3-and-D player in today’s game, but Brewer doesn’t present the ceiling and talent that Wiggins possesses.
It’s going to be interesting to see what direction Saunders leans in, but one thing is for certain: if he goes with Brewer, there will be tons of backlash from the public.
More on Fansided
College Football Week 4 scoring tracker: Live Top 25 score updates
Florida vs Alabama final score: Crimson Tide pull away from Gators, 42-21
Clemson vs Florida State: Lee Corso’s head gear pick on ESPN College GameDay for Week 4 (Video)
ESPN College GameDay signs: Best of Week 4