5 reasons Tom Thibodeau will win a title with Timberwolves
By Tom West
4. Andrew Wiggins only needs to be the “number two” guy
This is a continuation from the last point.
With Towns on such a startling trajectory for stardom, Andrew Wiggins isn’t faced with the pressure of being the next LeBron James in order to carry the Timberwolves to contention. Instead, he doesn’t even need to be the team’s number one option.
As long as Ricky Rubio can tear defenses apart with screens from Towns on rolls or kick outs for jumpers, there’s a new dynamic that can be the staple of the Timberwolves’ offense. Combined with Towns’ growing presence as a post scorer, there’s no need for Wiggins to play hero-ball whenever the team needs a basket.
Which, after a relatively disappointing season from three — 30 percent with only 0.7 makes per game — is best. Wiggins is still taking a quarter of his shots from 16-24 feet and struggling to make 35 percent of them, meaning he can be far more effective when he doesn’t have to be the focus of every possession for the future and can utilize his other strengths. On explosive drives and spin moves to the basket, he can still produce while he fine tunes his jump shot.
Having an excellent talent like Wiggins, who continues to develop, as your second scoring option is a pretty good place to be in.
Next: 3. Thibodeau can maximize the Timberwolves' defense