TITLE: Early Season NBA Notes: Wiggins Adapts in Miami, Collins Expands Clippers’ Options, Williams Apologizes After Arrest
SLUG: early-season-nba-notes-wiggins-miami-collins-clippers-williams-arrest
CONTENT:
The opening week of the NBA schedule has produced distinct storylines in Miami, Los Angeles and Dallas, highlighted by Andrew Wiggins’ reset with the Heat, John Collins’ immediate impact on the Clippers and Brandon Williams’ public apology following a misdemeanor charge.
Miami Heat
Andrew Wiggins entered training camp determined to move past a difficult postseason in which he shot 16-for-43 and committed 11 turnovers as Miami was swept by Cleveland in the first round. After what he called “a lot more of everything” in his offseason regimen, the forward said he now feels comfortable in Erik Spoelstra’s system and in the city, where his family has joined him.
Through Tuesday, Wiggins is averaging 14.5 points, a modest dip he attributes to the offensive depth around him. “We’ve got Tyler (Herro), we’ve got Norman (Powell), we’ve got Bam (Adebayo). We’ve got a lot of guys who can do special things,” he said.
Point guard Davion Mitchell, acquired in the same deadline deal from Golden State, is drawing praise for his playmaking. His 33 assists over the first four games are the most by a Heat player to open a season in nearly three decades. “He wants to get you the ball, and that becomes contagious,” Spoelstra noted.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers see added versatility after inserting forward John Collins next to Kawhi Leonard. “You want to put a smaller guy on John, or a smaller guy on Kawhi?” head coach Tyronn Lue asked. “His versatility on both sides of the ball is huge for us.”
Veteran guard Chris Paul, back with the franchise late in his career, told Andscape he feels “blessed” to rejoin the Clippers. The 38-year-old has not decided whether this season will be his last.
Dallas Mavericks
Guard Brandon Williams spoke to reporters Wednesday, four days after being arrested at Dallas–Fort Worth International Airport on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge. Police said roughly 1.5 ounces were found in his luggage. Williams acknowledged the bag was his but said his manager packed it without his knowledge.
“I want to apologize for being a distraction. I want to take full responsibility and move on,” he said. The 24-year-old had traveled to attend a memorial service for a friend and former high school teammate who died of leukemia.
Head coach Jason Kidd offered support: “Going to a funeral for a friend’s passing and having that incident—that’s something he has to deal with. We can only be here to support him.”
Williams earned a standard roster spot last spring after averaging 8.3 points and 2.3 assists in 33 games as a fill-in for Kyrie Irving. His $2.3 million deal is partially guaranteed through January.
Source: Hoops Wire
