The Warriors haven’t received any indication on whether Andrew Wiggins will return to the team before the end of the season, tweets Anthony Slater of The Athletic.
Coach Steve Kerr addressed the situation in his meeting with reporters before Saturday’s game, responding, “That’s the hope,” when asked if Wiggins is expected back at some point this season.
“We’re giving him his space, as we’ve talked about, as he deals with something that’s way more important than a game,” Kerr said. “If he’s able to come back, that would be great. And if not, then that’s the case. Whatever happens, we’ll handle it accordingly.”
Wiggins, who hasn’t played since February 13, missed the final game before the All-Star break due to a family matter and hasn’t returned. The Warriors have expressed their support, but have otherwise kept the issue private. General manager Bob Myers said in a radio interview last week that he expects Wiggins back before the playoffs.
The 28-year-old forward played a vital role in Golden State’s run to an NBA championship last season, averaging 16.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 22 playoff games. He missed 15 games in December and January due to an adductor strain and an illness and has played just 37 contests overall.
In Wiggins’ absence, Donte DiVincenzo has been inserted into the starting lineup with Klay Thompson moving to small forward. The team’s bench is shorthanded at the wing with Gary Payton II still not ready to play after being acquired at the trade deadline and two-way player Anthony Lamb ineligible after reaching his 50-game limit.
Madeline Kenney of The San Jose Mercury News talked to Warriors players about Wiggins earlier this week and found they are trying to strike a balance between being supportive and respecting his privacy.
“Wiggs is my brother,” Jordan Poole said. “We’re giving him strength and all of the support that he needs and whenever he’s ready to come back, whenever he’s ready to join the team, he will. … He knows that we all have his back and he can take as much time as he needs and we’re all really good support system and wish him nothing but the best.”
Prayers up man. Life is more important than Basketball right now
Do you know whats going on? I have just heard “personal”. Hopefully him and his family are ok.
Nobody knows and the warriors are tight lip on it. Sounds serious.
At this point, who cares about wins. Wiggins is the priority. Plain and simple. And I don’t recall what I said about Poole early way back when. Heck, I may have defended him. But I’m here now to say he’s killing the Warriors. Bad shooting. Worse defense. Bad decision making. Poor passing and WAY TOO inconsistent. Heck, forget about Draymond, I want to punch Poole. And watching him makes me so appreciative of Wiggins. It hurts to watch Poole knowing Wiggins is hurting. Poole gives his cute smirks and we wonder why that irritates teammates, specifically Green. Sorry, I know this thread is about Wigs but dang
Wiggins needs to get back to work. Kerr and Myers have both indicated it wasnt very serious. As for Poole, I am glad he’s not finishing up the games. I hate his careless turnovers. That being said, Warriors still need Poole to be relevant in the postseason.
I here you Michol but Poole didn’t help tonight. To me, he can have a great effect but the opposite is more likely. I want you to be correct but ….
it’s not like his brother was in a vehicular homicide like porter jr. maybe his visa expired.
Michol, seems like his employer supports his absence. Where have they indicated it isn’t something serious? Who are you to say that he should get back to work?
They indicated it wasnt long term
It’s a game…relax
Lil D has the correct take here.
Agree CR. The Warriors are such a pleasure to watch when they’re “on” and also playing defense like they were in years past. Takes me back to the 80’s Showtime Lakers. They definitely miss having Wiggins on the court.
That being said, for me Poole’s one of the most frustrating and irritating players to watch in recent memory. Between all of the things you mentioned, his often matador D, the forced shots, and his one on two or three opponents transition drives to the basket. He’s simply a selfish player most of the time with his attitude, whining, and theatrics just adding to the lack of respect. Unless he matures and becomes more of a team player, he’s a headache for Kerr & GSW may regret his contract.
Btw if Kyrie had missed this many games due to “family matters” and no other info was available, there would be 50 comments on this story bashing him and saying he needs to work like everyone else. Its actually hilarious to see the same people act sympathetic for Wigs. Keep that same energy
Perhaps because Wiggins and Irving are two different players and people.
Prior history matters. Unlike Kyrie, Wiggins has never just not shown up without telling the team. He has never said he had family matters to attend to and then be seen partying at a nightclub. Those are just two examples of Kyrie’s long history of jackassery. If Wiggins had that same history he would be getting “that same energy” that you demand.
Wiggins should be traded for Towns, good for both GSW and Timberwolves.