Andrew Wiggins was the clear Rookie of the Year favorite for a long time ever since Jabari Parker tore his ACL, but several challengers have popped up over the last month, including Nerlens Noel, Nikola Mirotic, Elfrid Payton and Jordan Clarkson. However, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Flip Saunders naturally thinks the race is no contest, according to Andy Greder of the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Flip Saunders says you’re ‘dreaming’ if Andrew Wiggins isn’t your Rookie of the Year
Not surprisingly, Saunders endorses his stud first-year wing for Rookie of the Year.
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“Anyone that throws anything else out, they’re dreaming,” Saunders said. “[Wiggins] is the most dominant rookie.”
Saunders went on to talk about how Wiggins has found success despite a lot of attention from opponents because of all the Wolves' injuries. The rookie has been stepping his game up of late, averaging 23 points and six rebounds on 46 percent shooting over the last five games. On Monday against the Utah Jazz, the 20-year-old dunked on Rudy Gobert. Twice.
Wiggins leads all rookies in minutes played and points scored by a wide margin. The rookie is averaging just over 16 points on the year, nearly four points per game more than the next closest rookie, the injured Parker. Some of the advanced stats don’t favor Wiggins, but his prolific scoring average and sheer amount of minutes played will likely earn him the award.
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