Fansided

Andrew Wiggins is leading the transformed Timberwolves

By Keith Parish

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 08: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the game at Target Center on November 8, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 08: Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors during the game at Target Center on November 8, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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Zach joins the latest episode of Fastbreak Breakfast for some light-hearted banter and a serious appreciation of Andrew Wiggins.

The Timberwolves have exceeded middling expectations so far by beginning the season 7-4, albeit against a rather soft schedule (sixth-easiest so far, according to Basketball-Reference). The most surprising catalyst for the strong start has been beleaguered max contract recipient Andrew Wiggins.

Wiggins was notably left off of ESPN’s top 100 rankings of NBA players this summer and his contract extension has more than once been described as an albatross. But so far in 2019-20 he has transformed himself and led Minnesota with 25.9 points per game while shooting at career-high rates. In addition, he’s blocking over a shot per game and turning the ball over at career-low rates.

Basically, his stats are comparable to prime Kobe:

So how long does it last? Which attribute will regress first? Are any changes here to stay? Could this be the Timberwolves’ second winning season in the last 15 years?

To help answer these questions, Zach Harper (@talkhoops) joins the latest episode of Fastbreak Breakfast. Zach covers the NBA for The Athletic and on the Count the Dings podcast.

He explains what Minnesota is doing differently this year that has allowed the team and Wiggins to thrive. Plus, we also discuss the struggling Trail Blazers, borderline obscure young players who are apparently “untouchable” in trade talks, and of course, Nic Cage.

And it wouldn’t be Fastbreak Breakfast without acknowledging this:

Fastbreak Breakfast is a podcast for serious NBA fans that is incredibly not serious. All episodes are available on Apple Podcasts and Soundcloud or any other major podcast service.

Music provided courtesy of New Man and Codaphonic.

dark. Next. Kristen Ledlow on the Warriors winning the lottery

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