OKLAHOMA CITY – The journey of Oklahoma City Thunder guard Aaron Wiggins stands as an inspiring testament to perseverance and determination in the world of professional basketball. With a 2025 NBA Finals hat proudly tipped to the side and an NBA Finals T-shirt draped over his shoulders, Wiggins reflected on his remarkable ascent from a two-way player to potentially chasing a championship ring.
“I never thought I’d be able to compete for a Finals championship,” Wiggins shared with Andscape after the Thunder clinched their Finals berth with a commanding 124-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals on May 28. “To have advanced and made it this far alone is a blessing in itself.”
Wiggins has played a significant role as a key reserve for the Thunder during this season’s playoff run, averaging 12 points and 3.9 rebounds off the bench. However, his path to this point was not smooth. In 2021, simply securing a spot on the Thunder was a longshot for Wiggins, who was selected late in the second round of the draft without a guaranteed contract.
Reflecting on his journey, Thunder guard Luguentz Dort emphasized the struggles Wiggins faced: “His whole journey here has been a lot of ups and downs.” Wiggins’ collegiate career at Maryland was promising; during his junior season in 2020-21, he averaged 14.5 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. Despite this, he was largely overlooked in NBA mock drafts, with many predicting he would not be selected at all.
However, Wiggins’ hard work paid off. He initially lacked an invitation to the NBA Pre-Draft Camp but made the most of his opportunity at the G League Select Camp to secure a spot at the prestigious event. After competing impressively, he decided against returning to Maryland for his senior season, opting to keep his name in the draft.
On draft night in 2021, Wiggins gathered with family and friends in Greensboro, North Carolina, expecting to be selected in the 30s or 40s of the second round. Instead, he was chosen 55th overall by the Thunder. “There were a lot of mixed emotions,” Wiggins recalled. “I was happy and grateful to be blessed, but I wasn’t happy either. So, I was just glad to have heard my name.”
Wiggins was offered a two-way contract, enabling him to split time between the Thunder and their G League affiliate, the Oklahoma City Blue. Despite the uncertain road ahead, he approached the situation with a mindset focused on making the best of his opportunity.
“My mentality was trying to adapt to the NBA level while maintaining the confidence and work ethic that got me there,” Wiggins noted. Remarkably, he impressed the Thunder so much that he never stepped foot in the G League during his rookie season, averaging 7.4 points and 3.5 rebounds. His performance prompted Thunder general manager Sam Presti to convert his two-way contract to a standard NBA contract in February 2022, a pivotal moment in his career.
Wiggins’ second season came with its own set of challenges, where he played in 70 regular-season games, with 14 starts, while also spending 24 games in the G League. “I had to weather that storm and make it through that season,” he said. His perseverance paid off, as he continued to outperform expectations when given the chance to play.
After a solid third season, Wiggins re-signed with the Thunder in the summer of 2024, securing a five-year, $57 million deal. “From where I was expected to be when I left college, if you would’ve told me that three years later I’d be signing a four- or five-year deal, it was just a lot to take in,” he admitted.
This season saw Wiggins excel, averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and assists over 76 games. However, the playoffs have tested his adaptability, with his role varying from game to game. He scored 21 points in Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies but averaged only 6.6 points in the Western Conference semifinals and combined for just seven points in the Finals against the Timberwolves.
Looking forward, Wiggins maintains a team-first mindset. “I’m just doing the same thing I’ve done for the last couple of years,” he stated. “Trusting our coaching staff, buying into the team first, and understanding that success will come.” Teammate Dort expressed confidence in Wiggins’ readiness, emphasizing his unselfishness and dedication.
As the anticipation builds toward the Finals, Wiggins’ words resonate not only with his teammates but also with aspiring players. “Just trust in God. Do not take things for granted and trust in the process,” he advises to future draftees, reminding them that hard work will ultimately pay off.
Wiggins’ story—from a late second-round pick to the NBA Finals—serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resilience and faith in one’s journey. It encourages those navigating their paths, illustrating that where you start doesn’t define where you can go. As he gears up for the Finals, it’s clear that Aaron Wiggins’ journey is only just beginning but holds the promise of incredible potential and success.
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