Andrew Wiggins couldn't have had a better start to his preseason with the Miami Heat. Finishing with 11 points and two assists, while looking great with or without the ball in his hands, and on both ends of the floor, Wiggins is already making some Heat doubters eat crow.
Sure, it's only one preseason game, but there was a lot to be hopeful about for the Heat - and specifically when it comes to Wiggins.
After a somewhat disappointing end to last season, in which Wiggins looked like a shell of himself in the NBA Playoffs, there were some whispers beginning to grow around the idea that perhaps Wiggins didn't want to be in Miami, or that the Heat needed to cut ties with him sooner rather than later.
It's safe to say that after a strong summer and a great preseason debut that Wiggins' demise in Miami was greatly exaggerated.
In just 12 minutes of action, Wiggins looked like the best player on the floor for the Heat. Perhaps the best part of Wiggins' impressive preseason showing was the fact that he did all that while playing perfectly in his role.
On the offensive end of the floor, Wiggins played off of both Bam Adebayo and Norman Powell, and defensively, he looked a little more like his old self.
Again, it's only one preseason game and, yes, it would be absolutely foolish to get overly excited about just 12 minutes of action, but Wiggins does look incredibly ready for a big bounce-back season in Miami.
If Wiggins can stay healthy this year, it's hard to envision how he doesn't end up playing a huge role for the Heat one way or another.
A win-win situation for the Heat
Here's the silver lining for the Heat: even if this season does go sideways, it does appear as if Miami will have a great trade asset in Wiggins heading into the NBA Trade Deadline. Whether they'd be willing to pull the trigger on a deal at that point is anyone's guess. However, if Wiggins can continue to build off a strong preseason showing, there's no question he could be in line for a big season.
If the Heat aren't competing for a playoff spot, there's going to be a handful of other contenders across the league that may be willing to part ways with true assets to add Wiggins for the stretch run.
And that should be another positive note from this great start from Wiggins.