The Golden State Warriors have now been without one of their best players in Andrew Wiggins for quite some time, with the 2021 All-Star dealing with a personal issue since prior to the All-Star break.
The last game Wiggins played was against the Washington Wizards on February 15, one in which the Warriors won 135-126. The Canadian had 29 points, seven rebounds and four assists, with that performance showing he was finally starting to come along after struggling for a period post-injury.
Unfortunately though, he hasn’t in the team’s last 11 games. He is currently dealing with a family issue and has been granted as much time away from the team as he needs. The Warriors have been up-and-down in his absence, producing both a five-game winning and three-game losing streak.
Golden State Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr provided a rather concerning update on Andrew Wiggins prior to Saturday’s game.
Speaking prior to their overtime win against the Milwaukee Bucks, head coach Steve Kerr gave the latest update, and his thoughts, on Wiggins’ situation.
"“I think that’s the hope, but really, there’s nothing to report,” Kerr said. “So we’re giving him the space as we talked about, as he deals with something that’s way more important than the game. And if he’s able to come back, then that would be great. And if not, then that’s the case and whatever happens, we handle it accordingly.”"
Steve Kerr said the “hope” is that Andrew Wiggins returns this season, but it isn’t a sure thing. Here’s the full soundbite. pic.twitter.com/grgTLdeVg3
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 11, 2023
Kerr’s hopeful response is an attitudinal change from the franchise after comments from Bob Myers earlier this month. The Warriors’ general manager had suggested Wiggins’ absence wouldn’t be a long one, but Kerr has now been non-committal on the 28-year-old’s immediate future.
Golden State are missing a player who can defend the opposition’s best wing, helping Klay Thompson who is no longer what he once was defensively pre-injury. Wiggins has improved tremendously as a defender since joining the Warriors, and at times has been their best and most consistent player on that end. His leave is also unaided by the ongoing absence of Gary Payton II, and a recent injury to Jonathan Kuminga.
In Wiggins, the Warriors are also missing someone who can go and get a bucket. Sure, Stephen Curry, Jordan Poole and Thompson can as well, but Golden State are undoubtedly missing his ability to score at all three levels.
Wiggins also improved his rebounding greatly during last year’s playoffs. That aspect has largely been left to Draymond Green and Kevon Looney, and you have to wonder what kind of toll they’ve taken physically in Wiggins’ absence.
The Warriors may be missing Wiggins as they push for a top six seed in the Western Conference, but Kerr is right in stating that basketball doesn’t always come first. We can only hope everything gets better for Wiggins and his family.