Andrew Wiggins opens up on Warriors future after Finals glory

San Francisco, California - Andrew Wiggins wants to stay with the Golden State Warriors and keep "proving the doubters wrong."

Andrew Wiggins (l.) celebrates with Draymond Green during Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Andrew Wiggins (l.) celebrates with Draymond Green during Game 5 of the NBA Finals.  © USA TODAY Sports

The small forward had a vital role in the Warriors' NBA Finals victory over the Boston Celtics.

It was the Warriors' fourth title in eight years but a first for Wiggins, who arrived from the Minnesota Timberwolves in a February 2020 trade.

The former first overall pick has faced plenty of questions in his NBA career so far, but he answered plenty of them against the Celtics.

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Wiggins played more minutes than any other Warrior (235) and also led the way in rebounds (53) and blocks (nine) as he had a huge impact on the defensive end.

On offense, he trailed only Finals MVP Stephen Curry in points (18.3 per game) and made field goals (45), shooting 44.6%.

Wiggins "would love to stay"

Wiggins gets a hug from Warriors head coach Steve Kerr towards the end of the title-clinching Game 6.
Wiggins gets a hug from Warriors head coach Steve Kerr towards the end of the title-clinching Game 6.  © USA TODAY Sports

"There was a lot of talk, people have something to say about every little thing, but now I'm happy that I made it here," Wiggins said.

"People didn't think I could ever be in this position or even be helpful on a championship team. But I'm proving the doubters wrong, and I'm going to keep it going."

And he plans to keep going on the Warriors, having been linked with trades almost since he arrived two years ago.

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"I would love to stay here," said Wiggins, who will earn $33.6million next year before becoming an unrestricted free agent.

"Being here, this is top-notch. The way they treat the players... we're all one big family. I feel like a lot of places may say that, but [the Warriors] show it through their actions."

Cover photo: USA TODAY Sports

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