Andrew Wiggins is embracing his new role with the Miami Heat and remains confident that he will improve as he continues to build chemistry with his teammates.
Since arriving in Miami via a five-team trade on February 6, the 30-year-old forward has taken on a larger offensive workload. His scoring, shot attempts, and drives to the basket have all increased compared to his time with the Golden State Warriors earlier this season.
Wiggins is averaging 18.5 points per game with the Heat, up from 17.6 points per game in his 43 appearances with Golden State. His field-goal attempts have risen to 15 per game, and he is driving to the basket 10.6 times per contest—nearly double his 6.5 drives per game with the Warriors.
“It has been great,” Wiggins said, per Miami Herald‘s Anthony Chiang. “It’s something I love to do. I love getting the ball, driving, just doing whatever I can to help the team win, most importantly.”
The Heat have struggled since acquiring Wiggins, going 2-6 in his eight appearances. Miami, now 29-35, sits ninth in the Eastern Conference after winning just three of its last 10 games.
Despite the team’s recent struggles, Wiggins remains optimistic about his continued adjustment in Miami. “Just getting adjusted, getting situated,” he said. “Just trying to figure out all the sets and picking my spots on the floor and building up that chemistry.”
His increased role is evident in other areas as well. Wiggins’ free-throw attempts have risen to 5.4 per game, compared to 4.2 with the Warriors. His usage rate has also increased from 22.9% in Golden State to 24.9% with Miami.
“Seeing what everyone likes to do, everyone’s spots,” Wiggins added. “But it’s coming along.”
The Heat are hoping Wiggins’ progression will help them solidify a playoff position as the regular season nears its final stretch. With 18 games remaining, Miami is trying to hold on to a spot in the Play-In Tournament while working to improve its chemistry.
Wiggins believes time and experience will lead to better results. “I feel like I will get better with each game, experience just as the chemistry builds, especially around these guys,” he said. “I feel like I will be better.”
