Golden State Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins continues to be absent from the team for the past 19 games due to undisclosed family matters, leaving the team in uncertainty about his return. With just six regular season games left, it is unclear whether Wiggins will make a comeback this season, which could affect the Warriors’ playoff chances.
Coach Kerr Elaborates on Wiggins’ Absence & Return
During a pregame press conference, Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr stated that there is no timetable for Wiggins’ return, and the team will welcome him back whenever he is ready, even if that means during playoffs. He also confirmed that Wiggins had been working out every day while away from the team.
Wiggins has had an unstable season with only 37 games played out of 76, making it his most unavailable year in his nine-year NBA career. Despite this, he has been a consistent contributor for the Warriors with an average of 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
Draymond Green Defends Wiggins From Rumors & Criticizes People Invading Personal Lives
Meanwhile, Draymond Green has come to the defense of his teammate amid rumors surrounding his absence. Green criticized people for invading personal lives and evaluating basketball poorly. He emphasized that basketball players are humans too and have personal issues that may affect their performance.
Green was also quick to point out how difficult it would be for the Warriors without Wiggins and Gary Payton II in the playoffs as they share a unique bond as a team. Additionally, Wiggins’ girlfriend took to social media to speak out against false rumors and warn people not to believe everything on social media.
Impact of Wiggins’ Absence on Golden State’s Playoff Chances
Wiggins’ absence could potentially have a significant impact on the Warriors’ postseason hopes, considering his value as a twoway player. The Warriors have been struggling with injuries and personal problems, preventing them from making the expected progress in their campaign.
Without Wiggins on the court, it could be challenging for the Warriors to reach the NBA Finals, despite their previous playoff experience. JJ Redick expressed concern about the team’s chances of winning the West without Wiggins, citing his impact in their prior playoff runs.
The upcoming Western Conference playoffs will be a tough challenge for Golden State with teams such as the Kevin Durant-led Nets and Kawhi Leonard-led Clippers looking strong this season. Moreover, Wiggins’ absence has contributed to the Warriors’ defensive struggles, with the team’s defensive rating being worse without him.
Considering Wiggins’ off-court problems, it may be best for the Warriors to give him space to deal with his issues before he returns to playvand ensure that he is physically ready for postseason action. For now, all eyes are on whether or not Wiggins will return before playoffs start.
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