Andrew Wiggins is named to his first NBA All-Star Selection
The Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins has earned his first All-Star nod in his career and was named to the starting lineup of the Western Conference. Wiggins will join his teammate Stephen Curry at this year’s NBA All-Star game in Cleveland. Andrew Wiggins becomes the third Canadian to make an NBA All-Star game, joining Steve Nash and Jamaal Magloire. Wiggins has earned the third Frontcount spot for the Western Conference, where he will join LeBron James, Nikola Jokic, Ja Morant, and Steph Curry. The 26-year old recalls his All-Star dream, Full Circle. Wiggins will play in his first NBA All-star game in Cleveland, after nearly eight years since the Cavs drafted him and sent him to Minnesota in exchange for Kevin Love.
“I thought I was dreaming for a second...Full circle. It feels good. No better way to have my first All-Star than where it all started.”
Wiggins Selection as All-Star Starter Underscores NBA’s Voting Problem
Wiggins’ All-Star starter selection has raised skepticism. Many have labelled Wiggins as a controversial pick as a starter. You can make an argument for the Suns' Booker and Paul to fill the lineup. Both led their team to a leagues-best record this far. The more complex matter to analyze here is the NBA voting system. The fan voting portion accounts for 50%, leaving the other 50% to media and player votes (25% media, 25% players). Wiggins had more fan votes and fewer media and players votes. Thanks to a big push powered by K Pop-Star BamBam, Wiggins earned an extra 39,000 fan votes with a total of 3,452,586. The convergence of social media currency worked in the favour of Wiggins.
Photo Courtesy of Golden State Warriors (@warriors)
Ultimately, because the NBA fan voting portion is worth 50%, Wiggins had adequate support from his fanbase to secure his starting spot for the Western Conference. Wiggins ranked third most votes amongst Western Conference frontcourt players trailing LeBron behind James and Nikola Jokic. Wiggins also finished fifth in player votes and sixth in media votes. The All-star game has always been about entertaining the fans and in the case of Wiggins, playing an intricate role for the Warriors in the absence of Klay Thompson while maintaining a league’s second-best record with one of the largest fanbases earns you a starting bid. The NBA decided that each conference stats backcourt players and three frontcourt players—which partially is why Wiggins got the spot.
Golden State Warriors Wiggins' Stellar Performance This Season
With career-best efficacy, Wiggins has earned the respect of his teammate, especially from Steph and Klay. His improved shooting ability and defensive prowess helped the Warriors secure the 2nd seed in the Western Conference. The defensive presence of Wiggins has generated a league-best defensive rating of 102.4 for the Warriors. Coach Steve Kerr has praised Wiggins for his positive contributions all season in spite of the absences of Klay Thompson. Coach Kerr considered the All-Star selection “one of his proudest moments as a coach”. Klay Thompson also spoke highly about the first-time All-star. Wiggins has proven the naysayers wrong and is living up to the potential of his NBA career.
“He earned not only the All-Star spot but the position he mans on our team, He’s our number-one perimeter defender night in and night out.”
We would not be where we’re at without his play. It’s really cool, he deserves it. I whole heartedly believe that. He’s also one of the best athletes in the NBA, combine all those traits and you got an All-star.”- Klay Thompson
Prior to his stint with the Warriors, Wiggins only experiences one playoff appearance with Minnesota back in 2018. Following the departure of Kevin Durant via free agency, Andre Iguodala and the injuries of Curry and Klay, the Warriors pursued Wiggins during the 2019-2020 season. The Warriors then acquired Wiggins for Minnesota in exchange for D'Angelo Russell, Jacob Evans III, Omari Spellman, and a second-round pick. Through the acquisition of Wiggins, the Warriors are back in championship contention, part of that has to do with Wiggins who played an intricate part in their 39-13 record. Wiggins and his teammates are certain that this won’t be his last All-Star selection, as far Canada it’s a huge opportunity for the culture of basketball North of the border. Catch Wiggins in his first career All-Star game on February 20th live from Cleveland.