THUNDER GRADES
Aaron Wiggins was a surprise contributor to the Thunder in 2021-22. The second-round draft pick, taken 55th overall, was fourth in the rookie pecking order on the squad but carved out a spot on the roster, earned a contract and made 35 starts while playing 50 games.
Our series of Thunder report cards continues with the 6-foot-6 wing from Maryland:
Readiness: A
Wiggins was billed as a more ready-forthe-NBA prospect, since he was 221⁄
2 when drafted. And Wiggins delivered. He was a Summer League standout, then Wiggins quickly made an earlyseason impact. After getting a chance to play in November, Wiggins flourished in December — nine games, seven starts, 59% shooting and 9.7 points a game.
3-point shooting: C
Wiggins made six of his first 16 3-point shots. But from mid-December on, Wiggins made just 29.5% of his deep shots. Fifty-three of Wiggins’ 138 3point shots came from the corners, and he made a mediocre 34% from those corners. Even good shooters often struggle from deep as rookies, but Wiggins will need to improve his shooting to stay in the league.
Defensive versatility: B
Wiggins’ age and more fully-developed physicality helped him adjust to the NBA rigors. He showed some defensive chops. Able to at least hold up on the perimeter and inside. It was enough to make the Thunder wonder if he could turn into another Kenrich Williams.
Ball protection: C
Of the 18 Thunders who played in more than 10 games, Wiggins ranked 13th in turnover rate (turnovers resulted in 12.6% of the possessions he ended). Among other wings, that’s a worse rate than Luguentz Dort (9.8), who drove the lane far more than Wiggins, or even his likeness Williams (11.9).
Offensive efficiency: A
Wiggins was seventh on the team in free-throw rate (which gauges frequency of getting fouled, in relation to shots taken), and his true-shooting percentage of .556 was sixth on the squad. Most rookies aren’t that efficient. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, for example, was a really good Clipper rookie three years ago and had a trueshooting percentage of .554. Wiggins’ .573 shooting percentage on 2-pointers was the best among any Thunder who played more than 25 games.