Throughout Aaron Wiggins’ first two seasons, the spotlight certainly hasn’t been been directly on him. He’s seemingly used that to his advantage, though, as he’s continued to solemnly work on his craft and steadily progress.
But as Oklahoma City’s guard and wing depth seems to be getting richer and richer by the year, Wiggins’ minutes this upcoming season are going to have to be shared with a couple newcomers — along with some returning role players.
With rookie guards Vasilije Micic and Cason Wallace entering the fold, and returning players Isaiah Joe, Kenrich Williams and Ousmane Dieng coming back, the Thunder’s bench is thick with versatility and talent heading into next season.
Having this kind of depth entering the 2023-24 season – without mentioning likely returners in Aleksej Pokusevski, Tre Mann and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl – means that Wiggins is going to have to earn his keep and make the most out of his in-game opportunities.
The 6-foot-5, former Maryland Terrapin competed in 20 more games last season than in his rookie year, but started in 21 less games. His minutes shrank from his rookie to sophomore year, going from 24.2 to 18.5 per contest.
His point average dipped last season from 8.3 to 6.8, however his shooting efficiency rose 5% from the field to 51%, with his 3-point efficiency jumped from 30% to 39% also. In a breakout game against the Utah Jazz on March 3, the 24-year old put up 27 points on an efficient 75% from the field to help the Thunder in a 130-103 blowout win nearly a month before the postseason.
Wiggins’ efforts off the bench last year were felt more in game than it shows in the box score. Physical and finesse finishes in the paint among much taller defenders, accurate passes to backdoor cutters off the drive and anticipatory defensive skills, Wiggins’ all-around skill set is still needed to support the talents of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Lu Dort.
A second unit of Micic or Wallace, along with Joe, Wiggins, Dieng and Jaylin Williams would be a tough one to crack for both opposing defenses and offenses. The defensive trio in Wallace, Wiggins and Williams would be difficult to null for perimeter ball handlers, yet the offensive skill is still prevalent with each player in this lineup.
Realistically, Wiggins will have to retain or add onto his 9% increase to his 3-pointer from last season, as well as bolster his defensive presence even further if he desires to solidify an 18-minute role as he did a year ago for OKC.
Looking down the line, I believe Wiggins maintains a significant role for the Thunder as the 4th or possibly 3rd player coming off the bench. But we will see, as the Thunder head into a very promising 2023-24 season.
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