Why Thunder's Aaron Wiggins deserves his own team

The former Maryland standout is the kind of role player who could explode with more usage. Wiggins, who averaged 22.9 minutes a game this season, is a two-way wing with length, discipline and offensive polish.

In a different situation — one where he’s not the fifth option behind an All-Star trio — Wiggins has the potential to make a James Harden-type leap. Not necessarily into superstardom, but into that Chauncey Billups, Gilbert Arenas, Jermaine O’Neal tier: players who were good on one team, then became great once given the keys elsewhere.

Wiggins, who calls himself a "late bloomer," averaged 12.9 points this season. The 2021 second-round pick (55th overall) is a potential 50/40/80 threat who defends at a high level and moves without the ball like a veteran. His feel for the game, athleticism and attitude are tailor-made for a bigger opportunity. This isn’t a player who needs to be force-fed shots to be effective — he’s someone who can scale up without sacrificing efficiency or rhythm.

That’s why a team in NBA limbo such as the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat — not bad enough to tank, not good enough to contend — should be on the phone with OKC. 

Wiggins won’t come cheap. He’s in that rare space between being untouchable and being a valuable trade chip. But if a front office has the vision and patience to build around him or elevate him into a leading role, the payoff could be massive.

We’ve seen it before. Harden in Houston. Billups in Detroit. Arenas in Washington. O’Neal in Indiana.

Wiggins could be next.