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Has Heat’s Maple Jordan Arrived?

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Miami Heat wing Andrew Wiggins

On Sunday night, the Miami Heat were able to end their 10-game losing streak on the back of Andrew Wiggins. As they took down the lowly Charlotte Hornets, Wiggins finished the game with 42 points, five assists, two steals and one block in 35 minutes. In the process, he went 16-21 from the floor and 6-8 from 3.

Notably, it was his highest single-game total since he scored 41 points against the Los Angeles Lakers in April 2017, which occurred five months after he recorded his career-high (47 points) against them. At that time, Wiggins was still with the Minnesota Timberwolves. It’s the first time that he has tallied at least 40 points since 2020-21, his first full season with the Golden State Warriors.

Even better than the numbers, milestones, and win? It looked like Timberwolves Wiggins and Warriors Wiggins had synthesized.

Has Heat’s Andrew Wiggins Arrived?

Initially after Wiggins was traded to the Heat, he seemed to be stuck in his Golden State gear, focusing on playing a 3-and-D-adjacent role. He then increased his attacks in isolation and out of the post, as well as letting his midrange jumper fly more frequently; hallmarks of his time with the Timberwolves. However, his 3-ball had begun to escape him.

Though the Hornets weren’t the fiercest competition, Wiggins’s performance on Sunday was like seeing his final evolution.

His shot-creation and shot-variance were both at an ideal or near-optimal level. Yet, he didn’t have an issue converting from beyond the arc. On top of that, Wiggins was a two-way playmaker. At the offensive end, he was using his gravity to create advantages for his teammates, particularly out of the post. At the defensive end, he was using his physical tools and instincts to wreak havoc in Erik Spoelstra’s zone.

In 21 games with Miami, he’s now averaging 21.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.0 block per contest. In addition, he’s shooting 48.0 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from 3. That being said, if the Heat want to get hot before the 2025 NBA Playoffs, they’ll need the Maple Jordan version of Wiggins.

Was Jimmy Butler Right?

Wiggins headlined the package that the Heat received for Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline. However, though he’s a former No. 1 pick, his weight doesn’t carry the same weight as Butler’s. The Tomball native may have a knack for wearing out his welcome but he’s also highly respected because he maximized his innate gifts.

The only time Wiggins had that same chip on his shoulder was when he faced the Cleveland Cavaliers, who traded him to the Timberwolves to acquire Kevin Love.

As recently as 2019 however, Butler considered Wiggins to be his most talented former teammate, per ESPN’s Brian Windhorst. Better than Derrick Rose. Better than Karl-Anthony Towns. Even better than Joel Embiid. That’s pretty high praise from Butler, who has yet to publicly contradict or retract that statement.

Though Heat president Pat Riley thought Butler was yanking his chain when he made the proclamation, the octogenarian might be more willing to believe him now.

© Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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