The Scouting Report: Future Lakers To Watch Out For
By Mike Garcia
Andrew Wiggins
Nov 12, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas Jayhawks guard Andrew Wiggins (22) dunks in the first half against the Duke Blue Devils at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Andrew Wiggins started the game quietly. He had 6 points in 9 minutes by halftime. What surprised me about his game, was how well he played off-the-ball. Four of his first six points were from off-the-ball cuts. He is a bonafide finisher. The ball is never too long in his hands, and he’s decisive about what he wants to do. He integrates himself into an offensive set well or finishes the play. I can account for 8 points in transition play alone, and at least 4 points off of offensive rebound put backs.
He tried a few moves off-the-dribble, where his staple is to utilize a spin move into a gap of the defense and pull up. He wasn’t as effective from 5′ and back, but is repertoire is definitely 15′ and in. When the 2nd half began, he tried to lay down his imprint on the game, taking more pull up jump shots from 20′. They didn’t drop. He wasn’t in rhythm. However, late in the game, he created two game-changing plays; a baseline pull-up 17′ step back jump shot after a jab-step, and a dunk in transition that drew the 5th foul on Jabari Parker.
While he naturally has a quiet demeanor, he let out his emotions with those breakout plays. The intensity there. He’s just an assassin. He finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds (4 offensive), on 9 of 15 shooting. Efficient. Silent. Effective. Win.