VIDEO: Andrew Wiggins goes off for career-high 29 points
The Kevin Love trade and subsequent injury to Ricky Rubio have changed the Minnesota Timberwolves' focus this season, from playoff hopeful to potential surprise team to straightforward rebuilding club.
That's not necessarily a bad thing for fans - while they surely miss Love and Rubio, they also get to watch a handful of talented young players develop.
That goes double for Andrew Wiggins, the crown jewel of the Love trade and No. 1 overall pick in June. Wiggins has immense potential and is already showing signs of development, particularly on the defensive end, where he's delivering on his scouting report as an NBA-ready perimeter stopper.
Wiggins was once again the silver lining in Minneapolis in another disappointing loss on Saturday - a 113-101 home defeat at the hands of the Sacramento Kings. He scored a career-high 29 points in his 41 minutes, shooting 9-of-22 from the floor, hitting a pair of triples and getting to the line 10 times. He added five rebounds, two assists and four steals for good measure, making it his most complete offensive game to date.
Through 12 games, Wiggins is averaging 12.5 points and 3.5 rebounds, shooting 42.6 percent from the floor and 50 percent from long range. His efficiency metrics remain below average, which is to be expected so early, especially since opposing defenses are relatively free to focus on him.
Jabari Parker probably remains the Rookie of the Year favorite, but Wiggins now has the edge in scoring average and defense.