The Golden State Warriors are three games into the new NBA season. In two of those games, Andrew Wiggins has been benched down the stretch. Wiggins is among the best defenders on the Warriors roster. However, Steve Kerr has preferred different combinations to begin the new year, using the depth he has available to him.
When speaking to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater after his team’s Oct. 29 win over the Houston Rockets, Wiggins noted how he doesn’t mind being on the bench down the stretch as long as the team keeps winning. He mentioned how it’s his job to force Kerr into keeping him on the court.
“Loon was playing good,” Wiggins said. “Draymond was playing good. Klay was playing good. Everyone was playing good. Stuff happens. The coaches make a decision that’s best. We won the game. As long as we keep winning, I’m fine. I gotta give them a reason not to take me out. Rebound more. I can do more.”
Wiggins will undoubtedly have a big role to play this season. His ability to consistently guard the opponent’s best player while offering athleticism and perimeter scoring are all important aspects of the team’s overall composition.
Andrew Wiggins hasn’t closed two of the first three games: “The coaches make a decision that’s best. We won the game. As long as we keep winning, I’m fine. I gotta give them a reason not to take me out. Rebound more. I can do more.”https://t.co/fwiYheqGvj
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) October 30, 2023
Wiggins will have his chances to impress throughout the season. If he can make the most of those opportunities while also showing out in practice, then there’s no reason why he can’t earn a spot in the team’s closing lineup. However, given the combinations Kerr is currently utilizing, Wiggins has a difficult task ahead.
