The Golden State Warriors are feeling the absence of Andrew Wiggins in a big way-and if you’d said that a year ago, most fans would’ve raised an eyebrow. But fast forward to now, and Wiggins is thriving in Miami, showing exactly why his presence is so valuable-and why Golden State might be regretting letting him go.
In his new role with the Heat, Wiggins has wasted no time making an impact. He’s averaging 17.5 points per game while shooting an efficient 49% from the field and 37% from beyond the arc. He’s started every game so far and ranks second on the team in total minutes played, a clear sign that the coaching staff trusts him to be a consistent presence on both ends of the floor.
But it’s not just the numbers that tell the story. Wiggins has become the ultimate connector for this Miami squad-a player who doesn’t need the spotlight to influence the game.
He’s bringing the kind of intangible value that doesn’t always show up on the stat sheet but absolutely shows up in the win column. Miami has outperformed preseason expectations, and Wiggins is a big reason why.
His ability to slot seamlessly into a team-first system, contribute across the board, and elevate the players around him is exactly what this Heat team needed-and exactly what the Warriors are missing.
Wiggins has meshed beautifully with Miami’s mix of rising stars and seasoned role players. His combination of shooting, athleticism, perimeter defense, and championship experience gives the Heat a level of versatility that allows them to spread the load rather than rely on one or two guys to carry the offense every night. That balance is a luxury, and it’s one Golden State no longer has.
His mindset has been just as important as his skill set. After a recent win, Wiggins summed it up in classic Wiggins fashion-quiet confidence, no ego, just team-first mentality: “I get the job done, I’m doing whatever I can to help the team win. Every night is going to be different… depending on whatever the team needs, I’m here and I’m going to try and do it.”
That’s the kind of mentality every contender wants in its locker room. Wiggins isn’t chasing stats or headlines. He’s doing the dirty work, embracing his role, and proving that winning basketball is about more than just scoring-it’s about sacrifice, consistency, and being ready for whatever the game demands.
Meanwhile, back in San Francisco, the Warriors are feeling the ripple effects of his departure. Their wing depth is thin, their shooting inconsistent, and their defense just doesn’t have the same edge.
Wiggins was a key two-way presence who could guard multiple positions, stretch the floor, and fill in the gaps when the offense sputtered. Without him, Golden State is still searching for answers, and the chemistry that once made them so dangerous feels a little off.
Looking back, the decision to move on from Wiggins is starting to look like a misstep. He’s the kind of player who fits perfectly in today’s NBA-a versatile, switchable wing who can play on or off the ball and doesn’t need volume touches to make a major impact. Those guys aren’t easy to find, and even harder to replace.
Right now, Wiggins is showing exactly why he was such a crucial piece of Golden State’s championship puzzle. And with the Heat surging and the Warriors stumbling, the contrast couldn’t be more clear.