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“Doesn’t Even Try”: Andrew Wiggins Catches Fans Ire As Short Handed Knicks Succumb Warriors At Home

Published 03/19/2024, 1:10 AM EDT

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via Imago

The New York Knicks are on a roll. As they await important updates on 2 of their major stars, they faced the Golden State Warriors at the Chase Center tonight. Coming off a 2-game winning streak and back-to-back 40-point games from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks seemed determined. With their momentum, and dismal outings from Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, and Andrew Wiggins, the Knicks held the Warriors to 112-119 at home.

Green and Brandin’s off night comes during a productive stretch for the team. Despite low numbers on the season, the two have emerged as dependable starters, fulfilling their responsibilities within the squad. However, this puts the ongoing narrative of Andrew Wiggins‘ unsatisfactory stint into light. In the game against the Knicks, Wiggins saw 24 minutes of court time and posted 7 points on 2 of 9 shooting; prompting fans to question his commitment to the Warriors roster. One of them voiced, “Wiggins doesn’t even try anymore.”

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On the same note, several fans replied while harboring a united narrative of getting rid of Wiggins in the coming off-season.

While replying to the post, one fan highlighted the dismal season Wiggins has had. Coming off a 17.1 ppg alongside 5 rebounds and 2.3 assists (37 games) last year, Wiggins averages 12.6 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.7 assists this season (58 games).

On the same note, a fan highlighted the series of consistent games Wiggins has posted nearly a week before the trade deadlines.

Over the last 3 years, Wiggins touched double-digit scoring in 9 of the 13 games played nearly a week before the deadline. With the same productivity lacking in the longer stretch, fans constantly touched on the narrative of vacating Wiggins’ spot from the Golden State roster.

Fans’ concerns don’t affect the franchise directly, however, they resonate with the uncertainty of Wiggins’ future with the Warriors.

Andrew Wiggins’ contract still has 3 years left

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Andrew Wiggins was instrumental in the Warriors’ recent championship run in 2022. Following that, the franchise ensured Wiggins’ services for the future, handing him a four-year contract extension, roughly estimated at $109 million. With that, Wiggins will don the Warriors jersey until the 2026 season (last season being the player option).

via Reuters

Regardless, Wiggins could soon see an exit door. Interestingly, his inability to add to winning is just one aspect behind his potential future. The Warriors, for the longest time, have been developing Jonathan Kuminga. Now, as JK begins aggressively setting into his role, the Warriors might replace Wiggins in a complimentary piece for Kuminga.

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Moreover, the Warriors would need cap space if they want to make significant shakeups within the roster next year. Parting ways with Wiggins’ hefty contract and $30 million player option could ease the franchise within monetary endeavors as well.

Andrew Wiggins-Podziemski’s Beef Triggers Trade Tensions In Warriors’ Locker Room

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Written by:

Saahil Dhillan

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Saahil Dhillan is an NBA Writer at EssentiallySports who discovered his basketball passion through the dynamic between Miami's LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. Years later, Kobe Bryant reignited his love, transforming him into an extensive contributor who savors the matches, covers games live, analyzes post-game pressers, and reports on injuries. With his stories, he aims at making readers feel the intense drama unfolding on the court every day.
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Edited by:

Daniel D'Cruz