Golden State Warriors' Andrew Wiggins (22) listens to a question from the media during a press conference next to general manager Bob Myers before their game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Area News Group)
SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew Wiggins returned to Chase Center for the first time in more than 40 days. He gave a a vague answer about his whereabouts during an undisclosed absence that saw him miss 22 regular season games.
Among the rumors that have swirled around the NBA world is that Wiggins was with his ill father, former NBA player Mitchell Wiggins, during his time away. Wiggins chose not to clarify the reason for his absence in a media session before the Warriors’ game against Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night, only that he was dealing with a family matter.
“I’d rather keep it private,” he said, seated next to president of basketball operations Bob Myers. “It’s for me and my family and people close to family.”
The Warriors weren’t sure if Wiggins would return at all this season. And Wiggins shared that for periods of time he wasn’t sure if he could return, either. But his family needs took priority over basketball.
“When you’re in a certain situation and your family needs you and requires your attention and love, that’s my first priority,” Wiggins said. “My career, everything. Family is always first for me. When I felt like I was in a safe space to come back, we got everything settled, not totally settled, but in a safe place where I can come back.”
Myers added that he was “really excited he’s back. But I was sad he had to be gone. So I don’t want to sit here and forget about that part.”
Wiggins re-enters the fold with Warriors in a Western Conference squeeze. They have three games to solidify a playoff spot and, they hope, escape the play-in tournament as a sixth seed or better. Golden State could use Wiggins’ wing defense and size in their crucial final three regular season games. After Tuesday’s game, the Warriors take on the Sacramento Kings on Friday and Portland Trailblazers on Sunday.
Wiggins was doing basic conditioning and “getting plenty of shots up” during his time away, he said. But head athletic trainer Rick Celebrini and the training staff will need time to determine when Wiggins will be game ready; head coach Steve Kerr said there is “no way” he’s playing in the next few days.
Wiggins was not working with Warriors coaches during his time away. But got back on the court on Tuesday with assistant coach Jama Mahlalehla and Celebrini.
“I think once we have an assessment over the next couple of days, we’ll have a better idea of when he might be able to play,” Kerr said.
Added Wiggins: “I felt really good before I left that last game. I felt like I was in rhythm…Hopefully I’ll be right back where I left off.”
Notes: Klay Thompson was a late scratch Tuesday with lower back soreness. Jordan Poole started in his place and Anthony Lamb got the start at forward over Donte DiVincenzo.
This is a developing story
Originally published at Shayna Rubin