Aaron Wiggins is not just filling a roster spot in Atlanta. He is already running the show. Through the first three preseason games, the former Thunder guard has shown he can do everything a modern wing needs to do. He shoots well, he handles the ball, and he makes smart plays. Head Coach Quin Snyder is giving him the keys to the offense, and Wiggins is not wasting them. This is the kind of impact the Hawks needed all summer.
Wiggins is hitting 46.2% from three-point range in these early contests. That number stands out because it comes with volume. He has taken 13 triples in just 18.3 minutes per game. Against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 10, he drained three of six shots from deep. He scored 10 points in his first eight minutes alone. Snyder has told his players to “let it fly” when they have space. Wiggins is the only one who seems to be taking that advice seriously right now.
A Two-Way Threat in the Paint
His value goes far beyond just shooting the ball. Wiggins is using his size to bully defenders in the paint. He is playing off two feet and getting to the foul line. He also recorded two blocks and a steal against the San Antonio Spurs while adding four assists. This versatility makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. They cannot just pack the paint because he will hit the open shot. They cannot stay home on the perimeter because he will drive past them.
Snyder trusts Wiggins to bring the ball up and start the half-court offense. When defenders go under the screen, he punishes them. When they chase him over, he drives downhill. This balance of scoring and playmaking is rare. In the opener against the Spurs, he finished with 10 points and four assists. That is exactly what the Hawks need from their wings. They need players who can create for others, not just take the final shot.
Quin Snyder’s Trust Is Earning It
Starts are often just a formality in the preseason, but Wiggins earned his. He started against the Spurs in place of Jalen Johnson. In other games, he has consistently been among the initial substitutes deployed to join the starting lineup. These rotation choices are not random. They show that Snyder sees a big role for Wiggins in the 2026-27 campaign. His championship experience matters too. He knows how to win, and that helps the younger players around him.
The Hawks made moves this summer to get deeper. Trading for Luguentz Dort got the headlines, but Wiggins is the one showing up. As per Soaring Down South, his offensive versatility allows him to play on and off the ball. He fits perfectly in Atlanta’s fast-paced, motion-style offense. If he keeps this up, he will be a starter for the long haul. The team has a strong core, and Wiggins is proving he belongs right in the middle of it.
Wiggins is 27 years old and playing with a purpose.
