OKC Thunder: Aaron Wiggins Intensified his Time on the Floor in Third-Year Leap

He'd lost minutes compared to years prior, but Aaron Wiggins' role was just as essential throughout the Thunder's historic season.

Aaron Wiggins' role may have decreased on paper, but it sure didn't feel that way with how he was able to maximize his time out on the floor beside his counterparts.

He's been dependable, moldable and versatile throughout his third-year leap in the best season the Thunder has seen since the 2013-14 season, acting as a vital piece to the top seed in the West.

Taking over a two-minute decrease to his play time from a year ago to this season, Wiggins was able to keep a hold on his averages from a year ago while increasing his efficiency immensely. He chose his shots wiser, plugged and played as a rim-runner, shooter, pusher in transition, all with much refined efficacy to amplify his shortened minutes and rare appearances in the starting lineup.

Like virtually all of the Thunder reserves, Wiggins has pushed his ego to the side and embraced his role on this team, playing wherever Mark Daigneault needed while motioning freely within his game plan. He's been an unexpected piece for unaware teams this season. Now into the postseason, he'll surely garner attention from the opposition and fans alike as a crucial two-way piece for Oklahoma City.

Per 36 minutes, Wiggins generated 15.9 points throughout the year. 56.2% from the field and 49.2% from three on a career-low 4.8 and 1.6 attempts, he's condensed his time on the floor but has still maintained his output, and that's been massive for the depth that the Thunder possess.

Daigneault tested different game situations out with certain lineups, coming at the cost of Wiggins' time on the floor at times. But his coach has always came back, hinging on his third-year guard's reliability and composed nature off the bench. Daigneault will look to do the same in the first round of the playoffs.

Oklahoma City's first-round opponent will be decided following the NBA Play-In Tournament.

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