Andrew Christian Wiggins

Early life

Born on February 23, 1995, in Thornhill, Ontario, Canada, Andrew Wiggins grew up in a family deeply involved in sports. His father, Mitchell Wiggins, played in the NBA, and his mother, Marita Payne-Wiggins, was a Canadian Olympic sprinter. The two met while they were collegiate athletes at Florida State University. Andrew attended Glen Shields Public School for his primary education and later went on to Vaughan Secondary School for high school.

Andrew showed immense talent in basketball from a young age, attending Vaughan Secondary School and later Huntington Prep School, where he became one of the most coveted high school prospects in the nation.

Andrew embarked on his basketball journey at the age of nine, participating in an under-10 league in Toronto. Standing at 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m) back then, he achieved his first dunk at 13. By 14, he had grown to an impressive height of 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m), and during a play at the Dufferin Clark Community Centre in Vaughan, his dunk was so powerful that it broke a glass backboard.

Career

High School Career During a performance at the 2013 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game, Wiggins showcased his dunking prowess. He began his high school journey at Vaughan Secondary School in Vaughan, where he spent his freshman and sophomore years. In the 2010-2011 season, Wiggins led the Vaughan AAAA basketball team to an astounding 44–1 record, ultimately securing the Ontario provincial title. Despite hearing “Overrated!” chants during the championship match, he recorded 25 points and 13 rebounds.

In 2011, Wiggins made the move to Huntington Prep School in Huntington, West Virginia. Here, he showcased impressive stats: during his junior year, he posted averages of 24.2 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game. By his senior year, these figures shifted slightly to 23.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, and 2.5 assists per game.

Originally pegged as the top prospect for the class of 2014, Wiggins decided in October 2012 to reclassify and join the 2013 class, a move following a grade repetition during his middle school years. This decision left him just one English credit short of graduation from Huntington Prep. Following this change, ESPN elevated his rank, positioning him above the formerly top-ranked player, Jabari Parker.

A 2013 Sports Illustrated piece critiqued Canadian basketball and questioned Wiggins’ dedication. Wiggins responded on the court, putting up an incredible 57 points in a game against Marietta College, which resulted in a 111–59 victory.

The accolades started pouring in for Wiggins in 2013. On February 25, he was honored as the Naismith Prep Player of the Year. On March 28, he received the 2013 Gatorade National Player of the Year award, becoming the first Canadian to achieve this distinction. By May, he was recognized as Mr. Basketball USA and was also ranked as the top high school basketball player by SLAM magazine.

In April of the same year, Wiggins showcased his talent at the Jordan Brand Classic All-American game held in Brooklyn. There, he scored 19 points, tying with Julius Randle as the top scorer for the East team.

College Career

Andrew’s career took off when he joined the University of Kansas for his freshman year. His performances were eye-catching, leading to his selection as the first overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Shortly after, he was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In Minnesota, Wiggins showcased his exceptional skills, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2015. His athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess made him a key player for the Timberwolves. In 2018, he signed a five-year contract extension with the team.

Golden State Warriors

In 2020, Wiggins was traded to the Golden State Warriors. Playing alongside stars like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, his versatility as both a scorer and a defender has helped him grow further as a player. His improvements in shooting and defense have been essential to the Warriors’ success.

On February 6, 2020, the Golden State Warriors acquired Wiggins, along with two draft selections, by trading Jacob Evans, D’Angelo Russell, and Omari Spellman. In his inaugural game for the Warriors, Wiggins put up 24 points and secured five steals, though they faced a 125–120 defeat against the Los Angeles Lakers. The season didn’t turn out well for the Warriors, as they ended with a league-worst 15–50 record, missing the playoffs.

Fast forward to March 19, 2021, Wiggins showcased a stellar performance, recording a season-best 40 points, complemented by eight rebounds, four assists, and four steals in a victorious 116–103 match against the Memphis Grizzlies. While the Warriors secured a spot in the newly introduced play-in tournament, their journey was cut short. After consecutive defeats to both the Los Angeles Lakers and the Memphis Grizzlies, they missed the playoffs once again. Notably, in the deciding match against the Grizzlies, Wiggins had a commendable performance, registering a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds.

Wiggins stands as one of the prominent figures in modern basketball, both for his on-court prowess and his contributions to the game in Canada. His journey from a high school sensation to an NBA star serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes, reflecting a blend of talent, hard work, and commitment to excellence.

Net Worth

As of 2023, Andrew Wiggins’ estimated net worth is around $35 million.

Achievement

Andrew Wiggins’ achievements in basketball have been noteworthy. Some of his most prominent accolades include:

NBA Rookie of the Year (2015)

NBA All-Rookie First Team (2015)

Consensus second-team All-American (2014)

First-team All-Big 12 (2014)

World Championships bronze medal with the Canadian national team (2010, U17)

Wiggins has been a beacon of Canadian basketball, representing the national team in various international competitions, contributing to the growth of the sport in his home country.