Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has confirmed that Andrew Wiggins, the team’s star forward, will not be returning for the final two games of the regular season after missing the past 23 games due to a family matter.
Kerr stated that Wiggins will continue to work and ramp up quickly for his return in either the play-in tournament or the start of the postseason, depending on the team’s seeding. Currently, the Warriors hold the No. 5 spot in the Western Conference.
Wiggins, who has been ramping up his workouts since recently returning to the team, had not specified the reason for his hiatus beyond noting that his family needed him. Kerr praised Wiggins’ work ethic and emphasized the importance of ensuring that he is healthy and not put in a bad spot.
The 28-year-old Wiggins had followed up his All-Star selection last season by averaging a solid 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.2 steals in 37 games this season, shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 39.6 percent from three. Alongside his recent absence, an adductor injury cost him nearly five weeks between December and January.
Kerr emphasized that the team fully supports Wiggins and the reasons for his absence, stating that Wiggins had communicated the reasons from the beginning and that the team had given him space to attend to his family. He added that the team was looking forward to Wiggins’ return and that it will be crucial for the Warriors’ championship defense.
The Warriors will need Wiggins back in top form as they face tough competition from the Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers. The Warriors will need to secure a strong seed to ensure their chances in the playoffs. Regardless of the outcome, Wiggins’ focus on family priorities is a reminder of the importance of balancing personal life and career responsibilities.
Warriors prioritize Wiggins’s personal life over playoff chase
Golden State Warriors player Andrew Wiggins was nearing a return to the team after missing 22 games over seven weeks to attend to a personal matter.
While his absence might make it too late for the Warriors to secure a top-six finish in the Western Conference, the team understands that Wiggins’ well-being and personal life should take priority. Warriors General Manager Bob Myers said that Wiggins’ needs were put before the team’s own.
The team did not want Wiggins to be away from the continent, and they granted him time and space to attend to his personal business. The team was aware of the specifics of Wiggins’ situation and protected his privacy.
No guilt trip, pressure, or reminder of his hefty paycheck was given to him. Wiggins kept his family first, and his second family, the Warriors, understood. Coach Steve Kerr said that the decision was easy because it was just being human.
