Inside The Thunder

Aaron Wiggins' Offseason Preparation Helps in 'Saving More and More Basketball Every Day'

Aaron Wiggins spoke during the Thunder's media day on Monday, staking his valiant effort in "saving basketball" ahead of the upcoming season.

Nathan Aker

Aaron Wiggins' Offseason Preparation Helps in 'Saving More and More Basketball Every Day'
Aaron Wiggins' Offseason Preparation Helps in 'Saving More and More Basketball Every Day' /
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The savior of basketball has returned in great fashion. Aaron Wiggins’ double life may not have been known league wide, but the Thunder’s third-year wing is back yet again to “save more and more basketball every day.”

An ongoing joke, Wiggins’ actual impact will be contingent on his development this season and the value of minutes he’ll provide off the bench early in the season. His role is seemingly in his hands.

With a large number of useful players obstructing his minutes off the bench, nothing is guaranteed for him. But despite dealing with inconsistent play time last season and the same possibility entering this season, all he can do is control what’s in his power.

“There are some things you can’t control, and you just gotta be ready to go,” Wiggins said on Monday at Oklahoma City’s media day.

Through his inconsistent minutes last year, he was still efficient when he got his chance. In 70 games, Wiggins went 51.2% from the field and 39.3% from 3-point distance. Shooting 363 times on the season, 122 of them from three, is certainly a broad enough sample size to understand what he can bring offensively. And necessary to mention, he’s also a great defensive disruptor.

While not an offensive initiator, he is a valued slasher and impressive ball handler on his way to the rim, where he’s a versatile and reliable finisher. Wiggins’ ability to play off the playmakers offense, space correctly and find his spots within the defense will be key to his success, and he realizes this too.

“Playing with guys, especially like [Josh] Giddey, it makes the game so much easier for players like me who might play a little bit off ball and have to find ways to get involved.

“So, being able to cut, find open seams and have someone who’s really good instinctively like Giddey who can pass the ball. Every guard on our team is really well rounded and can do a little bit of everything. With the amount of focus that Shai [Gilgeous-Alexander] draws from defensive teams makes the game easier for myself and for the team.”

The former Maryland Terrapin's stand-up and aware personality is exactly the kind of selflessness OKC general manager Sam Presti loves in the locker room. That willingness combined with his efficient play style, ability to thrive off others’ productivity and sound defensive presence should see him have a successful season this year.

While establishing firm minutes may be hard, Wiggins holds the capacity to be an integral part of the lineup in 2023-24.

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Nathan Aker
NATHAN AKER

Nathan is a senior at the University of Oklahoma majoring in Public Relations set to graduate in May 2024. He holds experience covering multiple sports, primarily basketball, at the high school and collegiate level. 

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