Andrew Wiggins is just getting started. The 19-year-old has been dealing with the pressure of being the "next big thing" in the NBA since he was a young baller growing up in Canada. Now, with the national stage at his feet, he’s got a chance to show why the hype was worth it. As he makes his way across the league during his rookie season, there will be flashes of greatness but also rookie mistakes. It’s all part of the process. With this playlist, Wiggins can put his head down and continue plugging away.
Andrew Wiggins is just getting started. The 19-year-old has been dealing with the pressure of being the "next big thing" in the NBA since he was a young baller growing up in Canada. Now, with the national stage at his feet, he’s got a chance to show why the hype was worth it. As he makes his way across the league during his rookie season, there will be flashes of greatness but also rookie mistakes. It’s all part of the process. With this playlist, Wiggins can put his head down and continue plugging away.
12/1 @ LA Clippers
Song: Ice Cube “It Was a Good Day”
Even with the pressure on him to perform every day, it’s easy to imagine that Wiggins is loving life right now. This song should be an anthem for him each time he gets a chance to visit Los Angeles to take the floor at the Staples Center.
12/6 @ San Antonio Spurs
Song: Worldwide "Same Thing"
Worldwide—a San Antonio native—raps the same way the Spurs play: smooth, calm, and on point. Listening to this song might be a way for Wiggins to try and calm his nerves before taking the court against the defending champs.
12/16 @ Washington Wizards
Song: Wale "Ambition"
Ambition, dedication, work ethic—these are the factors that separate the game’s best players from the rest. They never stop improving. To stay on top, Wiggins will have to develop the same appetite for greatness.
12/19 @ Boston Celtics
Song: Slaine “Destroy Everything”
Boston rapper Slaine brings it on this tough, hard-hitting track. Facing a young team in Boston, Wiggins will have a chance to try and take the game over and dominate his opponents.
12/23 @ Cleveland Cavaliers
Song: Kid Cudi “Just What I Am”
Facing the greatest player on earth, and the team that drafted him only to trade him shortly after, this could be the most important game of the season for Wiggins. He’ll want to display the full range of his ability and athleticism to show the Cavs and LeBron just what he is—and what they missed.
12/26 @ Denver Nuggets
Song: Kendrick Lamar “i”
It’s critical that Wiggins keeps moving and stays positive this season. Kendrick’s new track carries that message, and in the beautiful backdrop of the Mile High City, Wiggins will have a chance to sit back and appreciate the moment.
12/27 @ Golden State Warriors
Song: Rae Sremmurd “No Flex Zone”
Wiggins will have to use his speed and athleticism to stay in front of rising stars Klay Thompson and Steph Curry, who can fill up the stat sheet very quickly. If he does, he’ll further his reputation as an elite defender.
12/30 @ Utah Jazz
Song: Future “Honest”
Gordon Hayward will match up with Wiggins on the wing and it will be up to Wiggins to use his superior athleticism to combat Hayward’s solid defense. It’s an important game for Wiggins to show out against a premier player.
1/9 @ Milwaukee Bucks
Song: Gerald Walker “Live It Up”
When he faces Jabari Parker and the Bucks, Wiggins will want to get up and throw down at least one highlight. There’s no doubt that the two rookies will be living it up on this night.
1/13 @ Indiana Pacers
Song: Nyzzy Nyce “Nights Like This”
Going against Roy Hibbert, who’s one of the best shot blockers in the league, could make for a tough night for Wiggins. But if he’s able to use his speed to get past the big man, he could put him on a poster and send a message with a highlight-reel dunk.
1/16 @ Phoenix Suns
Song: Drake “All Me”
A constant, thumping beat with a slow build up, “All Me” will help Wiggins focus before he takes the court against one of the league’s fastest teams. He’ll have no problem keeping up and will have every opportunity to show off his own blistering speed.
1/19 @ Charlotte Hornets
Song: J Cole “Sideline Story”
With Michael Jordan watching, Wiggins can come into his house and show the greatest of all time why he’s the next big thing. Not that Wiggins will need any further motivation than that, but just in case, he can find some in “Sideline Story,” which captures J Cole’s rise to the top of the charts.
1/25 @ Atlanta Hawks
Song: T-Pain and Lil Wayne “Let Me Through”
Against one of the league’s top defensive teams, Wiggins is going to need to push it to the next level to fight his way through. If he can break free on the perimeter, he’ll be attacking the rim all night.
1/26 @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Song: Macklemore “Can’t Hold Us”
The Thunder have had a rough start to the season, losing stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook to injuries, but by the time Wiggins comes to visit, the team should be in much better shape. If Durant’s back on the court, Wiggins will do his best to try and lock down the games greatest scorer.
1/30 @ Philadelphia 76ers
Song: Freeway “What We Do”
Wiggins will face another top rookie in Philadelphia in Nerlens Noel, who's making a name for himself as a top defender. Noel will look to block shots so Wiggins should look to use his offensive arsenal to score on the perimeter and in the paint.
2/8 @ Detroit Pistons
Song: Eminem “Not Afraid”
So far in his young career, Wiggins hasn’t shown any fear. He’ll look to carry that confidence into Detroit and put on a show against a struggling team.
2/23 @ Houston Rockets
Song: Chamillionaire “Creepin”
Chamillionaire raps about staying on the low before rising to the top, which is similar to how Wiggins plays basketball. One moment he’s playing within the speed of the game and in the next he’s exploding for a dunk, steal, or blocked shot.
2/27 @ Chicago Bulls
Song: Chance the Rapper “Favorite Song”
Chicago’s Chance the Rapper keeps it low key. Against the amped-up Bulls and their swarming defense, Wiggins will be at his best if he can play restrained and take his chances in the natural flow of the game.
3/18 @ Toronto Raptors
Song: Drake “Started From The Bottom”
For Wiggins’ home coming, there’s no better artist than Toronto’s Drake. Wiggins has already risen from Ontario to the world’s biggest basketball stage. Now he just needs to keep getting better. There’s no doubt that he will.
3/19 @ New York Knicks
Song: Lil Wayne and Drake “Believe Me”
Wiggins will be able to walk into the Garden and put on a show in the Mecca of basketball. Historically, the game’s best players always play with extra motivation in New York. Let’s see if Wiggins follows suit.
4/7 @ Sacramento Kings
Song: Skeme “Look What I Did”
Coming into Sacramento, Wiggins will have to go through DeMarcus Cousins every time he gets to the rim. If he does it, he’ll have everybody talking.