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There's no better way to learn how to play NBA basketball than to spend as much time on the court as possible, playing against the top competition that you have at your disposal. Wiggins isn't going to learn as much going against the young guns on the Timberwolves roster and the lackluster collection of veteran wing talent as he is playing against the best the Association has to offer.

The FIBA Basketball World Cup is viewed as an opportunity for players to gain experience playing against the best possible competition. Even earning a training-camp invite is viewed as valuable experience, as the player in question gets to square off with some of the world's best on a daily basis.

Playing at a small school during a collegiate career is sometimes viewed as detrimental, because the player being analyzed doesn't get a chance to practice against other future NBA standouts and won't be suiting up on the other side of one during actual game action.

Why is this any different?

Wiggins would have a chance to play against stars even if he came off the bench, but he'd naturally spend more minutes on the court if he began the game without his warm ups on. The sixth men and second-unit standouts who play more minutes than starters are always few and far between.

By starting him immediately, Saunders would be doing more than giving him minutes. He'd be actively promoting his growth as a central figure for this franchise, imbuing him with confidence from day one and granting him an opportunity to learn on the job.