While dealing with a personal problem, Andrew Wiggins has been conspicuously absent from the Warriors’ lineup. He’s apparently back in town at this time.
Andrew Wiggins: the most recent updates
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.
Golden State's Andrew Wiggins plans to attend Warriors-Thunder on Tuesday. The reason for Wiggins' leave of absence since mid-February is that his father, Mitchell Wiggins, has been dealing with a serious medical situation, sources close to the situation say. 🙏🏽
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 3, 2023
The Golden State Warriors have struggled thus far in this season. They were the recipients of the Larry O’Brien award last year, but have failed to live up to expectations this time around.
They have had trouble winning on the road and have a weak bench, both of which have negatively affected their season.
The season for the Warriors has been affected by the absence of Stephen Curry and other key players due to injury. The absence of Andrew Wiggins, a vital component to the Warriors’ title hopes, has not helped matters since February 13.
Andrew Wiggins has been dealing with what appears to be a major personal situation, much to the chagrin of the media and fans.
The team’s message has been straightforward: they want Wiggins back whenever he is well enough to play. The possibility of a comeback, meanwhile, has been obscured by uncertainty.
The first concrete evidence that Wiggins might make a return before the end of the season surfaced on Friday.
According to Jason Dumas of KRON4, Wiggins has returned to the Bay Area after being away for quite some time.
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
Returning to the Bay Area doesn’t guarantee Wiggins will move back there, but it does increase the likelihood of that happening more quickly than if he had stayed away.
A small glimmer of optimism as the postseason approaches.
The Warriors are now making an effort to keep themselves out of the play-in round. They were one game clear of the seventh-place New Orleans Pelicans in the Western Conference as of Friday afternoon.
The Warriors forward has only averaged 32 minutes per game in 37 games this season before taking a break. Wiggins has averaged 17.1 points per game while also averaging 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and shooting 47.3% from the field and 39.6% from deep.
When on the court, Wiggins is a major contributor for the Warriors. His absence has necessitated major efforts from other players on both sides of the ball.
The safety of Wiggins is, of course, paramount. The surest indicator of that would be his return to the court.
