2024 Rankings: Wings to Watch
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These wings are all 6-foot-5 and up and have shown good progress over the last year and a half, making them Wings to Watch heading into the summer months. I’ll tell you just why these guys have my attention and…
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Continue ReadingThese wings are all 6-foot-5 and up and have shown good progress over the last year and a half, making them Wings to Watch heading into the summer months. I’ll tell you just why these guys have my attention and what could possibly lie ahead for these big, versatile players.
Wiggins has continued to become more versatile as the years go on. He has slowly expanded the range and reliability of his jumper, becoming steadier with the dribble and really has rounded out his offensive game. He’s always been a tough player that fights on both ends, but this could be the year he really breaks out and puts it all together.
I loved the progress he made last season and there is no reason to think Linhardt won’t continue that growth into next season. He looks much more confident and comfortable beating guys off the dribble, creating looks within the offense, and using his strength to finish through contact at the rim. I think he will take another big step forward this season and will be a guy to watch for Seattle Select this summer.
The Tahoma forward made a splash last season as a reliable player across the board, making smart decisions, being efficient with the ball, and playing both inside and out. He’s looked a lot more confident and aggressive this spring and he could be ready to take a big step forward as an offensive threat this coming season.
Atwood has always had the strength and size to make a big difference on the court. This spring he has shown better decision-making on drives. He’s avoiding the tendency to put his head down and dribble into bad spots, and has picked his lanes better, recognized opportunities and been a more efficient player scoring the ball. If he continues to approach the game with this improved awareness, he could be a big riser over the next year.
Green has big potential as a scoring wing but lost most of last season due to injury. He has great length and athleticism to get to the rim and finish in a variety of ways, either with power or finesse, can find his rhythm from behind the arc, and his size can pose lots of problems for opposing guards. His consistency with the jumper could go a long way to improving his game but he has the talent to be an impact player.
McFerran is a player I’ve been watching and waiting to take that next big step for a while now. He’s been a steady improver but with his length and ability, there is another level for him to reach. He has great length, makes plays at the rim on both ends and specifically does a great job timing blocks. But for him to take that next step, he has to either get stronger, more effective from the 3-point line, or both. If he can take that next step, he could be a big name to watch in the WesCo next season.