Andrew Wiggins rejoins Warriors, getting back into condition
FILE - Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins waits for play to resume during the second half of the team's NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 2, 2023, in Denver. Warriors coach Steve Kerr remains hopeful that Wiggins will return this season after the veteran forward missed his 20th straight game because of a family matter. Credit: AP/David Zalubowski
SAN FRANCISCO — Golden State forward Andrew Wiggins has rejoined the Warriors after more than a month away from the team and is working his way back to being able to play again for the defending NBA champions.
Wiggins said Tuesday his family needed him and he appreciated the Warriors’ support in allowing him to be there for them during a crucial time. Wiggins expressed gratitude to everyone that respected his privacy and said he is now in a safe place where he is comfortable resuming basketball.
“Family’s always first for me and it will always be that way,” Wiggins said, noting “I’d rather keep that private” regarding his family’s ordeal.
He was able to get regular workouts done, shooting and lifting weights but said he will need to regain some conditioning.
Wiggins was set to miss his 23rd straight game Tuesday night against Oklahoma City and hasn't played since Feb. 13 versus Washington, but said he expects to play again soon. There have been no details provided on what Wiggins was dealing with, nor had there been a timetable for his return other than coach Steve Kerr saying last week he remained hopeful of Wiggins being back before the end of the season.
The Warriors will be thrilled to have him as they fight for their playoff positioning in the Western Conference and hope to avoid the play-in round.
“It was great to see Andrew today. We missed him the last couple months,” Kerr said. ”... Everyone loves Andrew, just having him back is fantastic.”
Kerr said he expects to have a better idea in the next couple of days when Wiggins might be able to play and if so how many minutes that could be.
“There’s no way he’s playing in the next few days I can tell you that,” Kerr said, unsure what Wiggins’ role would be yet.
Wiggins has missed 43 games in all — three more with left foot soreness, 10 because of a strained adductor in his right thigh, and seven games with a non-COVID illness.
The 28-year-old Wiggins, a first-time All-Star last season who signed a four-year contract extension in October, is averaging 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 37 games this season.
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