It hasn’t been a perfect season for the Atlanta Hawks. They’ve been up and down all year. Two wins to open the year followed by three straight losses (and four losses in five games). But they seem to be back on track. Winners of two in a row, a subplot is emerging: Aaron Wiggins. It’s becoming impossible for the Hawks to ignore that he needs to start.
Atlanta traded for Wiggins this summer in a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC was shedding salary this offseason in an attempt (a successful one) to duck the second apron. Now, Wiggins has quickly become one of the Hawks’ most important players. And it seems like only a matter of time before he gets his chance in the starting lineup.
The Hawks have a pretty solid first five already rolling, but Wiggins is constantly making a case to join it.
Aaron Wiggins should get a chance to start
On Wednesday night against the Washington Wizards, Wiggins had yet another impressive performance. The Hawks picked up a 120-105 victory over Washington, and Wiggins played a huge role in it.
In his 29:01 of action off the bench, Wiggins finished the night with 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block. He shot 6-of-14 from the field and 3-of-7 from beyond the three-point arc.
It’s merely his latest in a string of solid performances. Wiggins has been one of the more consistent players on the Hawks all season, and it feels like he should get a look in the starting lineup.
Atlanta is 5-4 on the season. The Hawks have had some blowout wins, but they’ve also gotten blown out. They are pretty close to even on the season, and their record reflects that.
Taking a look at total plus/minus for the season, however, and Wiggins is toward the top of the list. He’s a +26 on the year so far. Third, if you discount Zuby Ejiofor’s limited sample size (but impressive total plus/minus).
Obviously, plus/minus isn’t everything. Jalen Johnson is a -17 on the year. Kingston Flemings is a -24. Lu Dort is a -24, too. All of those guys are good players.
But Wiggins’ impact on winning is clear as day. Sooner or later, the Hawks need to give him a chance to start. He deserves it. And it could end up benefiting Atlanta.
Wiggins is going to keep pushing until Quin Snyder finally decides to give him the chance to start.
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