The 2020 Big Ten 6th Man of the Year, Aaron Wiggins had a breakout junior season to emerge him into NBA prospect status. As a junior, Wiggins averaged 14.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG, and 2 TOPG on shooting splits of 45/36/77. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Aaron Wiggins
Height/Weight: 6’5 / 190
Wingspan/ standing reach: 6’10 / 8’7
Hand size: 8 ¾
Position: Wing
Pre-Draft team: Maryland
Tools: Defense, shooting
Pros:
- Sound defender that rarely makes mistakes both on-ball and off-ball
- Projectable jump shot with a quick spot up release
- Good vision with creative passing flashes
- Good frame
- Reliable mid range shooter off the dribble
- Good rebounder for a wing
Cons:
- Needs to reduce turnovers and make more calculated passes
- Lacks explosion and top-end athleticism against defenders
- Needs to get stronger to reduce frequency of getting pushed off defensively
Overall:
Aaron Wiggins is a 3&D prospect who broke out as a junior and saw vast improvements on both ends of the floor. Wiggins has always been a sound defender, and with his offense catching up as a junior, Wiggins emerged as an NBA prospect in 2021, earning an invitation to the NBA Draft Combine. As a defender, Wiggins almost always makes the right decisions, but some athletic shortcomings limit his ceiling as a defender. Wiggins is best as a perimeter defender guarding jump shots, and while he can guard drives, that is where he can be most often exploited. Wiggins may struggle to guard athletic wings and point guards, which can limit his defense translating. This was most notable on hand-offs around screens, where he often failed to recover coming off the awkward angle. Offensively, Wiggins is a creative passer, but can be prone to mistakes and turnovers. He is unlikely to be much of a creator for both others or himself in the NBA, and his solid 3 point shot in a pure off-ball role could bode well for his efficiency and advanced metrics. Because of his limited specialized role, Wiggins could be an advanced stats darling if he finds a rotation spot in the NBA. While his role is easily projectable, he has holes in the archetype that several other wings do not face, giving him an uphill battle to become a 3&D prospect. If he can make up for or limit his shortcomings, he could be a steal in the draft.
Similar to: Moe Harkless, Vincent Edwards
Projected draft range: 40-undrafted
Expected role: 3&D wing
Unplayable if: jump shooting doesn’t translate
Exceeds expectations if: jump shooting and defense translate and his playmaking improves.
Shot chart:
