National Basketball Association

This is Timberwolves' Andrew Wiggins' year

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Besides the fact that the young, up-and-coming Timberwolves could be headed for the playoffs, this should also be the year that Andrew Wiggins rises into a bona fide star.

As Andrew Wiggins enters his third NBA season, he is coming off a campaign in which he scored 20.7 points per game. His points per game were up from 16.9 in his rookie season and was enough to rank him 20th in the league in that category. And at 20th, Wiggins ranked higher than the likes of John Wall, Kyrie Irving, Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade.

To most fans outside of Minnesota, Wiggins is on the brink of stardom. However, Timberwolves fans might suggest he is already there.

Wiggins is the fourth-youngest player to reach 3,000 points and puts himself behind Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James –great company with whom to achieve greatness.

The former University of Kansas standout has the numbers, the Rookie of the Year accolade, the multi-million-dollar Adidas shoe deal and the country’s acknowledgement by participating in the FIBA Americas Championship.

But above all, he has the focus. As stated via agent Bill Duffy Associates:

As my third NBA season approaches, I understand my increased role with the Timberwolves and dedication to the upcoming season must have my total focus. We are building a championship contending team, which has always been my goal.

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As the regular season gets set to open, Wiggins started to warm up as the preseason continued. In four games, Wiggins averaged 17 points and three rebounds in 28 minutes. Wiggins sat-out the final three preseason games due to an allergic reaction, but should be ready to go for the season opener against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

In what should be a great year for Wiggins, it should also be a great year for Karl-Anthony Towns. Ironically, this could hinder Wiggins’ ability to become the superstar that he wants to be. Success won’t be the factor that hinders his prestige, the factor is that when two stars are on one team the greatness of one doesn’t always reach the level that they deserve.

Take, for instance, Kobe and Shaq. Kobe was a star in his #8 jersey, but fans see that time as a nurturing point in his career. Shaq was the star who helped create the beast that was Kobe became in his #24 jersey. In OKC, for example, Russell Westbrook did not get the superstar label while he was on the same court as Kevin Durant.

Admittedly, these may not be the best examples given how both relationships ended. However, it is something to keep in mind.

Wiggins will become a star this season. It’s his for the taking, and the league should be on alert.

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