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Wolves owner not ready to 'give up' on Andrew Wiggins

Zhong Zhi / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Minnesota Timberwolves still believe in Andrew Wiggins despite his disappointing season.

Timberwolves owner Glen Taylor appeared on ESPN 1500 on Friday and defended Wiggins against detractors who argued that the 23-year-old Canadian swingman should be traded this summer.

"I just think you want to take a person and not give up on them when they're that young, no matter what. I just think you have to be really careful not to give up on him," Taylor said.

"You can look at a lot of players, and it took them three or four years to get better, and they keep getting better from the experience and the confidence. I don't see why Andrew won't be one of those people because he has such natural ability."

Wiggins took a step back last season as he struggled to adjust to the addition of Jimmy Butler. He averaged 17.7 points per game on 43.8 percent shooting from the field, his free-throw attempts dropped dramatically, and his poor defense remained a point of contention. Butler reportedly took issue with Wiggins' approach to the game.

To make matters worse for Minnesota, Wiggins inked a five-year extension worth $150 million that will kick in next season. Taylor told the press last season that he expected Wiggins to improve, but he regressed, and now the Timberwolves will face a difficult cap situation with both Karl-Anthony Towns and Butler due for hefty raises in the coming seasons.

Nevertheless, Taylor remains confident in the former No. 1 overall pick, who was the crown jewel in the Kevin Love trade.

"I had expectations of him that to be much better this year, I think the adjustment with Jimmy coming in has taken a little time, but certainly someone of his caliber can make those adjustments and play better. I know that's Andrew's goal too, so we'll see what he does this summer."

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