Well, Wiggins has become a well-known family name in the basketball world. Obviously, the credit goes to former number one pick Andrew Wiggins, who has been a star in this league for ten years. But there is another player in OKC with the same last name who is slowly beginning to turn some heads. Yes, we are talking about Aaron Wiggins. Sharing the same last name and working the same profession, there is a popular misconception among fans that the two stars are brothers or come from the same family.

Hate to break it to you but their last name and profession are the only two similarities Aaron and Andrew share with each other. So NO, they are not related to each other at all. What’s even more surprising is that they were not even born in the same country. Well, the Warriors star has a Canadian nationality and took his first breath in Thornhill, Ontario. Meanwhile, Aaron has spent his entire life in the USA after being born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. And there is also a four-year age difference between them.

Although Andrew is not his brother, Aaron has been blessed with four siblings: Joshua, Shekinah, Zacchaeus, and Imanai. And he has two loving parents in Serena and Tim Wiggins who helped him achieve his hoop dream. Just like him, Andrew also has a big family as he is one of Marita Payne-Wiggins and Mitchell Wiggins’ six children. Well, his three sisters are Stephanie, Taya, and Angelica. Meanwhile, Mitchell Jr. and Nick are his two brothers. Now that it’s clear that Andew and Aaron are not related, let’s dive deeper into the Thunder star’s journey to the NBA.

From idolising Kobe Bryant to becoming a part of the young Thunder core

As Aaron grew older, he fell in love with the game of basketball and deemed Kobe Bryant his sports hero. Starting his hoop journey at Grimsley High School, he soon moved to Wesleyan Christian Academy. And hoping to stay close to his family and home, he chose to join the University of Maryland. Then, he spent the next three years suiting up for the Terrapins and his game improved each season.

Well, he started as an off the bench player and averaged only 8.3 points in his freshman year. But by the time he reached his junior year, Aaron increased his averages to 14.5 points. And he even turned into a great rebounder and playmaker, making him an all-around star. Apart from being a college basketball sensation, Aaron was also heavily musically inclined as a kid and even knows how to play trombone and piano. And his versatility does not end there because he also acted in plays like The Wizard of Oz and practiced multiple dance styles while growing up. A true all-rounder indeed.

But it was evident that his true calling lied in basketball as Aaron was named the Big Ten Conference Sixth Man of the Year four years ago. And he also received honorable mention in All-Big Ten a year later. Sure enough, three years in college were enough for NBA scouts to notice him and he got drafted number 55 by the Thunder three years ago. Since then, Aaron has become a key member of the team’s young core.

Yes, he is not a superstar yet and spends most of his time coming off the bench. But there has been constant improvement in his performance every season. Just last year, he averaged nearly seven points in limited minutes and helped the team bag the top seed in the West. Even in his career’s first playoffs, he averaged a solid 6.2 points and over three rebounds. And instead of being bothered by his limited playing time, the youngster’s aim is to make the most of the opportunity he gets.

Aaron Wiggins ‘Prepared’ for any situation after exciting $47 million move

While many would think that Aaron might have an issue with coming off the bench all the time, he recently revealed that it is not a big concern, “I just try to be prepared for whatever situation I’m put in.” Moreover, he has his priorities clear, “Coming into the game, I’m not looking for or thinking about maybe scoring a certain number of points or anything. I’m going in there with the mindset to help the team get the outcome that we want, which is a win.” And just like he did last season, he wants to help his team reach the ultimate goal, “I’m willing to go out there and put forth my best foot and hopefully, help my team get a W.”

Well, he is surely getting rewarded for his dedication and consistency as Aaron inked a five-year $47 million extension this summer to solidify his future in OKC. A massive contract for a late second round pick. And he revealed that he celebrated the occasion with his loved ones, “Yeah man, it was awesome. When all of that went down, you know my family they were with me, they were all by my side and I mean that’s just an exciting moment.” With a bright future ahead, he would definitely want to have one more thing in common with Andrew Wiggins, the tag of an NBA Champion.