Aaron Wiggins, a key player for the Oklahoma City Thunder, has seen a significant decline in his role as the playoffs approach. Once viewed as a fan favorite and a vital part of the team’s championship ambitions, Wiggins has now been relegated to a lesser position within the rotation.
Aaron Wiggins’ Declining Role
Wiggins began the season as one of the Thunder’s primary scoring options. He averaged 14.8 points per game while shooting 45.9% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range in the early weeks. However, a series of injuries and the return of teammates have impacted his performance.
Impact of Recent Changes
- Wiggins logged an average of 24.0 minutes per game in the season’s first three months.
- His playing time has since dropped to 18.9 minutes following the acquisition of Jared McCain on February 5.
- His scoring average has also declined, with only 7.8 points per game on 40.1% shooting.
Before March, Wiggins attempted about 8.8 shots per game, but this has dropped significantly since then. In fact, he has exceeded eight shot attempts only four times in the past month.
Recent Performance Trends
Wiggins’ situation worsened after the All-Star Weekend, as approximately 40% of his games resulted in him playing 15 minutes or less. He has managed to score in double figures only five times during this period.
Competition for Minutes
With the emergence of other players like Isaiah Joe, Ajay Mitchell, and Cason Wallace, Wiggins has fallen down the depth chart under coach Mark Daigneault. As the playoffs loom, the likelihood of Wiggins receiving even less playing time is high, further diminishing his once-secure spot in the lineup.
Given the current trajectory, fans may need to adjust their expectations for Wiggins as he shifts from a vital rotation player to potentially spending more time on the bench.
