The Miami Heat are counting on Andrew Wiggins to play a major role this season, especially with Tyler Herro sidelined by a foot injury to start the year.
And as training camp begins, the 30-year-old forward says he feels far more comfortable in Miami than when he first arrived in last seasons blockbuster trade.
When I first got here, it was more trying to get situated, with the players, with the coaches, and finding my spots, Wiggins said Tuesday at Florida Atlantic University, via local media. Now, being around the facility, in almost every day, seeing the coaches, building up that chemistry, being comfortable.
The former No. 1 overall pick praised the culture he has stepped into.
I love the competitive nature, love the toughness, not only from the players, but from the coaching staff, Wiggins said. Everyones main goal is to win. Do whatever it takes to win.
Head coach Erik Spoelstra believes Wiggins off-court stability will unlock another level in his game.
Im very pleased with where Wiggs is right now heading into camp; hes in terrific shape, Spoelstra said. Hes been in the gym, really, since the middle of July But he moved his family down here. His best games, not so coincidentally, last year, is when his family visited. And thats the type of human being he is. He just wants to have his people around him, the support group and his family and kids are amazing.
Spoelstra added,Hes proven himself in this league that he can be such an impactful player, both ends of the court. He can be elite, he can be elite as an offensive player, he can be elite top of the food chain, defensively, when hes on top of his game, and I think hes healthy, hes in shape, and well need all of that from him to embrace being great.
Wiggins averaged 19 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across 19 games with Miami last season, shooting 45.8 percent from the field and 36 percent from three.
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