Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is reportedly nearing his return to the team after being absent for 22 games. The All-Star player has been away from the team since mid-February, attending to a personal family matter. Recent reports have revealed that Wiggins’ father, Mitchell, has been battling a serious medical condition, prompting the 28-year-old to take time off from the court.
During Wiggins’ absence, the Warriors have managed to hold on to the fifth-place spot in the Western Conference, maintaining a 12-10 record. The team is now looking forward to Wiggins’ return as they prepare for the 2023 NBA Playoffs.
Wiggins’ return was first reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, who stated that the player is “nearing a return to the team and is expected to be back early this week.” This news was later confirmed by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who added that Wiggins plans to attend the Warriors’ home game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday, April 4th.
While it remains unclear if Wiggins will be ready to play in Tuesday’s game, his return comes at a crucial time for the Warriors. With just three games left in the regular season, the team is eager to solidify its playoff positioning and avoid the play-in tournament.
Throughout the season, Wiggins has been a key contributor to the Warriors, averaging 17.1 points per game and shooting a career-best 39.6% from beyond the arc. His defensive prowess has also been a significant asset to the team.
Wiggins’ return will not only boost the team’s performance on the court but also provide much-needed support for the Warriors family. Throughout his absence, both the team and its fans have been supportive and understanding of Wiggins’ situation. In a recent interview, Stephen Curry expressed his desire for Wiggins to return when the time is right, stating, “We want to be whole, and I’m sure he wants to be a part of this.”
As the Warriors gear up for the NBA Playoffs, the return of Andrew Wiggins will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team’s quest for another championship title. With his family’s situation now made public, the entire NBA community sends its support to the Wiggins family during this difficult time.