Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is back in town after spending the past several weeks away from the team to deal with a family matter.
The latest news on Andrew Wiggins
UPDATE (Apr. 05):
The Warriors’ star Andrew Wiggins has broken his silence.
The 28-year-old explained his sudden departure from the Golden State Warriors in an interview with reporters on Tuesday.
Wiggins has made it clear that his family is his top priority.
He said: “When you’re in a certain situation, and your family needs you and requires your attention and your love, that’s my first priority,”
Bob Myers open up with Andrew Wiggins pic.twitter.com/kOsQnU12RV
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) April 5, 2023
Wiggins has been away from the Warriors’ last 22 games due to personal obligations.
In the press conference, he did not explain his lengthy absence. He preferred to keep that information to himself, his immediate family, and any other close relatives.
UPDATE (Apr. 04):
The Warriors are expected to have swingman Andrew Wiggins back in the lineup, perhaps as soon as this week, per multiple reports.
Andrew Wiggins is expected to return to the club this week after missing the last 21 games due to a personal problem, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
ESPN Sources: Golden State Warriors All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins is nearing a return to the team and is expected to be back early this week. Wiggins has missed 21 games attending to a family matter. Huge boost for the defending champions and sixth seed in the West. pic.twitter.com/bQAw8ixINI
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 3, 2023
Additionally, Shams Charania of The Athletic reports Wiggins plans to attend Golden State’s home game against the Thunder on Tuesday.
https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1642945756255453188?s=20
UPDATE (Apr. 02):
The Warriors have struggled a bit with Wiggins out, going 11-9 in the past 20 contest, but they have been able to stay within the Top 6 of the conference as well.
Much to the dismay of the press and his admirers, Andrew Wiggins has been coping with what appears to be a huge personal crisis.
The team’s message has been clear: they hope to have Wiggins back on the court as soon as he is healthy enough to do so. While everything was going on, doubt clouded over any hope of a return.
On Friday, the first signs that Wiggins could return before the end of the season emerged.
Wiggins has reportedly moved back to the Bay Area, as reported by Jason Dumas of KRON4 News on Friday.
I’ve been told that Andrew Wiggins is back in the Bay Area. He had spent most of the recent weeks out of town.
— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) March 31, 2023
Wiggins’s return to the area is encouraging, but his participation in the rest of the season is far from assured. He may or may not return to the Warriors anytime soon, but the fact that he has maintained his fitness level while away from the club is encouraging.
Warriors have fought their way back into postseason contention without Wiggins, but their title prospects hinge on the team’s health and Wiggins’ possible return. With his addition, they would be a serious threat in the Western Conference.
Even though the Warriors could use Wiggins’ services again, they are not putting any pressure on the 28-year-old to come back. They continue to encourage him and hope he makes decisions that benefit their loved ones.
The Warriors forward has only played in an average of 32 minutes per game in 37 games this season. Wiggins has scored 17.1 points per game on 47.3% shooting from the field and 39.6% from deep while averaging 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists.
Wiggins plays a significant role for the Warriors when he’s on the court. His absence has forced the rest of the team to put in extraordinary efforts on offense and defense.
Wiggins’s well-being must always come first. His return to court would be the clearest sign of that.
