In the fast-evolving world of the NBA, the Golden State Warriors are gearing up for the 2024-25 season with a renewed focus on their forward, Andrew Wiggins. Head coach Steve Kerr has expressed a strong belief in Wiggins’ potential to rebound from a challenging couple of years, emphasizing the importance of his mental and emotional state as the new season approaches.
Wiggins, who was once celebrated for his performance during the 2021-22 season when he earned an All-Star selection, has faced significant personal challenges that have impacted his game. The past two seasons have been tumultuous for the 29-year-old, primarily due to the serious illness of his father. This situation weighed heavily on Wiggins, affecting both his performance and overall well-being on the court.
However, following the passing of his father this summer, Kerr believes that Wiggins is now in a better place mentally and ready to refocus on basketball. In a recent interview with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke, Kerr outlined his expectations for Wiggins this season, highlighting the importance of aggression and a clear mindset.
“I’m not going to put numbers on it, I’m just going to put aggression and peace of mind, which I’m seeing right now,” Kerr stated. He acknowledged the difficulties Wiggins faced over the past two years, noting that the loss of his father has been a profound experience. Kerr expressed hope that this tragedy might ultimately bring Wiggins some peace, allowing him to rediscover his game. “If Wiggs has a sense of freedom and some peace of mind and his family behind him, which he always does, he’s an unbelievable human being and an incredible athlete, and he’s 29. He’s right in his prime. So I just think this is going to be a great year for him,” Kerr added.
As the Warriors navigate through changes, particularly with the recent departure of franchise icon Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks, the team is actively searching for a reliable second scorer to support their superstar, Steph Curry. With Thompson no longer in the mix, the question arises: who will step up? Options like Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, and De’Anthony Melton have all been considered, but Kerr has made it clear that he sees Wiggins as a critical component in filling this role.
Kerr has set ambitious expectations for Wiggins, indicating that he wants him to take more shots, particularly from beyond the arc. “To me, I’ve already told him: six 3-pointers a game,” Kerr said. He emphasized Wiggins’ shooting capabilities, noting that despite a dip in performance last season, he has historically been a strong 3-point shooter, boasting percentages around 39-40% since joining the Warriors. Kerr is looking for Wiggins not only to improve his long-range shooting but also to be aggressive in attacking the basket.
Wiggins’ ability to adapt and excel in this new role will be crucial for the Warriors as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the league. The team is counting on him to harness his skills and experience to help elevate the squad during this transitional phase.
As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Wiggins to see if he can reclaim his form and become the dynamic player the Warriors need. With Kerr’s support and a renewed focus on his game, there is a sense of optimism surrounding Wiggins’ potential to shine once again in the NBA spotlight.
Meanwhile, the Warriors will also be monitoring the development of other players on their roster who may step into more significant roles. The coaching staff is keen to see how emerging talents like Kuminga and Podziemski respond to the increased expectations that come with being part of a championship-contending team.
Overall, the Warriors are entering the new season with a mix of hope and uncertainty. With key players like Wiggins poised for a comeback and new faces looking to make their mark, fans can expect an exciting journey ahead as the team strives to reclaim its status among the NBA elite.
