Andrew Wiggins has landed in an uncomfortable spot in Miami, and it’s one the Warriors know all too well.
For only the second time in his career, Wiggins was sent to the bench on Sunday as Heat coach Eric Spoelstra reacted to a rough start from both the veteran forward and the team itself. Miami has stumbled to a 3-6 beginning, and Spoelstra made the move to Pelle Larsson in place of Wiggins.
The decision brought back a familiar memory for Golden State fans. Wiggins had a strong five-year run with the Warriors, earning an All-Star nod in 2022 and helping the team win the title later that season. But even in that stretch, there was a brief period when Steve Kerr and the Warriors pulled him from the starting group during a difficult spell for the franchise.
That happened during the 2023-24 season, when Wiggins came off the bench for 12 games before reclaiming his starting role and holding it until he was traded to Miami for six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler in February last year.
Sunday’s result did little to settle the question of whether this latest benching is a temporary shake-up or something more lasting. The Heat beat the Sacramento Kings 114-108, but that kind of win doesn’t exactly answer whether the move paid off.
Wiggins did not stay out of the action for long. Larsson picked up two personal fouls and was taken out less than three minutes into the game, which sent Wiggins back in early anyway. He finished with six points, three rebounds and one assist on 2-of-6 shooting, and still logged nearly 32 minutes as Larsson eventually fouled out.
"These are tough decisions. I really feel for Wiggs on this.
Pelle is giving us that ability to be a connector and also consistent energy and toughness that we think can compliment that group. Wiggs was good in the 2nd unit," Spoelstra said after the game.
The bigger picture for Miami is hard to miss. The Heat will almost certainly keep looking for an upgrade from Wiggins before the February mid-season deadline if his shooting and bench role continue to lag, especially if the team stays under expectations after the blockbuster arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo during the offseason.
So far, Wiggins has averaged 8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 assists while shooting 40.2% from the floor and 31.7% from three-point range. He signed a two-year, $33.8 million extension during the summer and is making $30.2 million this season.
Whether Miami can get real value for him after this start is another question. For now, the Heat’s best hope may be that Wiggins finds the form that once made him such a useful piece for the Warriors.
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