After missing 25 games due to a family emergency, Andrew Wiggins is back on the court for the Golden State Warriors. On Saturday, they will play their first-round Western Conference playoff game against the Sacramento Kings, and the role of Wiggins still remains uncertain.
Will He Start or Come off the Bench?
Wiggins’ readiness to embrace either role is commendable. The small forward understands that his coach, Steve Kerr, may decide to have him come off the bench despite being a starter his entire career. With a healthy mindset, Wiggins is willing to submerge any ego in support of his team’s success.
Stephen Curry’s Influence on Wiggins
Wiggins has applauded his teammate and NBA star Steph Curry for leading by example by prioritizing team over individual accomplishments in his own playing career. Curry himself has shown his readiness to unite with the team as he started coming off the bench during last season’s playoffs after returning from injury.
Sacramento Kings vs. Golden State Warriors
Golden State Warriors’ coach, Steve Kerr, will have to make a tough decision whether to opt for Wiggins or place him on the bench for Game 1 against the Sacramento Kings. However, Wiggins’ presence gives the Warriors’ perimeter defense a boost and could help stop Kings’ All-Star De’Aaron Fox.
The Delayed Return
Wiggins refused to work with Warriors trainers while away from basketball due to personal reasons which made it difficult for him to return quicker than anticipated. However, having participated in at least four scrimmages over the past ten days, Wiggins seems to have found form according to both coaches and teammates.
Wiggins’ Long-Awaited Return
Warriors fans are hopeful that Andrew’s return will aid in winning their series against the Kings. Being part of the team with one of the best starting lineups, statistics show that Golden State’s best quintet nets a rating of +21.9, whereas the Kings’ starting lineup has a net rating of +2.2 and has played together for twice as many minutes.
Conclusion
Wiggins’ unpredictability as a player at this stage is both a cause of excitement and uncertainty for fans. Despite this, another Warriors presence on their court is something everyone looks forward to in their game against the Sacramento Kings.
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