Progress After the Trade! Can 30-Year-Old Andrew Wiggins Return to the All-Star Game?

When Andrew Wiggins joined the Miami Heat in a trade earlier this season, it marked the latest chapter in a career that has had its fair share of ups and downs. A former first overall pick, Wiggins’ career trajectory has not been as straightforward as many had expected. However, his recent performance, particularly in a standout game against the Charlotte Hornets where he dropped a season-high 42 points, has sparked the question: Can Wiggins still make a return to the All-Star level at the age of 30?

Wiggins' performance in the Heat's 122-105 win over the Hornets was nothing short of spectacular. Playing 35 minutes, Wiggins shot an impressive 16-of-21 from the field, including 6-of-8 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-7 from the free-throw line. He also added 3 rebounds and 5 assists, all while leading Miami on a 76-49 run in the second and third quarters to reverse a 6-point deficit at the end of the first. His +22 plus-minus was the highest on the team, and it was clear that Wiggins had found his rhythm.

This performance was not only Wiggins’ best showing since joining the Heat, but it may also be his best game in the last few years. The last time he scored more than 40 points was back on March 19, 2021, during his time with the Golden State Warriors, when he posted 40 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies. That performance had been a high point in his Warriors career, and it had been nearly four years since he reached that level of production.

In fact, this 42-point game with the Heat was only the second time in his career that Wiggins had surpassed the 40-point mark, and it was just his 10th career 40-point performance. Given that the Heat had been struggling, including a 10-game losing streak before this win, Wiggins’ breakout performance was timely and helped his new team emerge from their slump. So, how has Wiggins performed overall since joining Miami?

As of now, Wiggins has played 13 games for the Heat, averaging 21.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game in 33.4 minutes of play. His shooting efficiency has also been impressive, with 48.0% from the field, 36.3% from three, and 75.4% from the free-throw line. His usage rate is at 26.8%, which indicates that he is becoming more integral to Miami’s offense. His true shooting percentage of 59.3% is also a career-high, further demonstrating his effectiveness on the offensive end.

In comparison, before the trade, Wiggins had played 43 games for the Golden State Warriors, averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 0.9 steals per game. His shooting percentages were slightly lower at 44.4% from the field, 37.9% from three, and 77.7% from the free-throw line. His usage rate in Golden State was 22.8%, and his true shooting percentage was 56.6%. While his numbers in Miami are still based on a smaller sample size, the improvement in his scoring, efficiency, and usage rate is noticeable, which indicates that his role with the Heat is better suited for him to thrive.

It’s also worth noting that this is the first time since leaving the Minnesota Timberwolves that Wiggins has averaged over 20 points per game. This marks a significant achievement in his career, especially considering the way his offensive game has evolved. While he had been a solid contributor in Golden State, particularly during the Warriors' championship run in 2022, he never quite reached the level of a primary scorer. However, his time with the Heat has shown that he is capable of stepping up as one of the main offensive options.

Looking ahead, Wiggins has the potential to continue improving, especially if he can maintain his current trajectory. If he can continue to produce at a high level, he might very well be on track for his best season in years. Throughout his career, Wiggins has been criticized for his inconsistency, particularly on the offensive end. His efficiency has often been a point of concern, as his scoring numbers did not always align with the expectations that came with being the first overall pick in 2014. However, the signs of improvement in Miami are encouraging, and his recent performances suggest that he could be entering a new phase of his career.

Defensively, Wiggins has continued to maintain his high standards. During his time with the Heat, he has averaged 14.3 contested shots per game, leading to a 4.6% drop in opponents' shooting percentage, including a 2.4% decrease in three-point shooting. Wiggins has always been known as a solid defender, and his ability to disrupt shots and guard multiple positions remains one of his key strengths.

The main issue that has prevented Wiggins from truly flourishing with Miami has been the team's overall struggles. Despite his individual improvement, the Heat have won just 3 of the 13 games he has played in. It’s important to recognize that the team’s issues are not solely on Wiggins’ shoulders. When he first arrived, there was an adjustment period as he had to adapt to Miami’s system, a process that has been complicated by injuries and inconsistent rotations. His time in Golden State had also involved a learning curve, so it’s not surprising that he needed time to fully integrate with his new team.

Moreover, the absence of Jimmy Butler for extended periods has significantly affected Miami's performance. Butler is the Heat’s heart and soul, and without him, the team has struggled to find consistency. Wiggins, despite his talent, is not the type of player who can single-handedly fill the leadership void that Butler leaves. The Heat have also been dealing with other roster issues, which have contributed to their disappointing season.

Additionally, the Heat’s 2025 first-round draft pick is owned by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and it’s lottery-protected. It’s possible that the Heat might intentionally tank their season to secure a high draft pick, which could further explain their lackluster performance since Wiggins joined the team. Whether the Heat are deliberately struggling to maintain their pick is uncertain, but it’s a factor to consider when analyzing their current state.

As for the Heat’s playoff hopes, it seems unlikely that they will make a deep run this year. Even if they do manage to make it past the play-in tournament, a first-round exit appears to be the most probable outcome. Miami’s current roster lacks a true superstar, and it’s clear that Wiggins, Tyler Herro, and Bam Adebayo are not yet capable of leading the team to a championship. Therefore, significant changes could be in store for the Heat during the off-season.

Looking at Wiggins’ future, it’s hard to predict exactly where his career will go. He no longer has the same potential to become the franchise player many expected when he was drafted, and it’s unlikely that he’ll ever reach the All-NBA level that was once envisioned. However, his ability to contribute in multiple areas of the game and his defensive prowess give him a chance to remain a valuable player for years to come.

One potential avenue for Wiggins is to aim for a return to the All-Star level. While that might seem out of reach, players like Norman Powell, who is also 31 years old, have shown that players in their early 30s can still continue to develop and improve. If Wiggins can keep up his current pace, he might have a shot at being an All-Star once again, especially if the Heat manage to make a push for the playoffs in the next season.

For now, the goal for Wiggins should be to continue to build on his progress with Miami. Whether he can return to the All-Star level is still uncertain, but if his recent performances are any indication, he might be in for a career renaissance that has many wondering just how far he can go.