Andrew Wiggins missed his 22nd straight game for the Warriors on Sunday, but he appears to be getting closer to a return.
The 28-year-old forward, who broke out last season en route to being named an All-Star starter, has not suited up for Golden State since Feb. 13. He has been listed on the Warriors’ injury report as inactive due to a personal family matter.
Following its road loss to the Nuggets on Sunday, Golden State fell to 41-38 but still remains tied with the Clippers for fifth place — and, more importantly, out of the Play-In Tournament, with just a half-game ahead of the Lakers and Pelicans.
The Warriors are now 12-10 during Wiggins’ 22-game absence.
After playing a starring role in Golden State’s run to the 2022 NBA title — Wiggins was arguably the team’s second-best player behind Stephen Curry — the former No. 1 overall pick has had an up-and-down season.
Prior to this extended absence, Wiggins had shuffled in and out of the lineup, missing 20 of the team’s first 49 games to start the season. In addition to missing 15 games in December with an adductor strain, he’s also missed time with a nagging foot injury and non-COVID illness.
He’s played well when available, averaging 17.1 points per game, playing lockdown defense and shooting a career-best 39.6 percent from beyond the arc. If the Warriors are going to make a serious run at defending their title, they’ll surely need Wiggins.
Here are the latest updates on Wiggins’ ongoing absence.
MORE: Why the Warriors continue to lose on the road
Why is Andrew Wiggins not playing for the Warriors?
Wiggins remains away from the team because of an ongoing personal family matter.
According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, Wiggins’ father, Mitchell, has been dealing with a “serious medical situation,” resulting in the star forward’s absence.
Golden State’s Andrew Wiggins plans to attend Warriors-Thunder on Tuesday. The reason for Wiggins’ leave of absence since mid-February is that his father, Mitchell Wiggins, has been dealing with a serious medical situation, sources close to the situation say. 🙏🏽
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 3, 2023
The Warriors initially listed Wiggins as out for the Feb. 14 game against the Clippers, citing personal reasons. Though Steve Kerr confirmed that they expected him back for their first game after the All-Star break on Feb. 23, Wiggins missed that game.
Both Kerr and Curry spoke after the Warriors game on March 28 about how the team is carrying on without Wiggins ahead of the playoff push.
“We want to be whole, and I’m sure he wants to be a part of this,” Curry said. “But when he walks through the door will be when it’s the right time for him. That’s kind of the expectation at this point.”
Steph Curry on Andrew Wiggins: “We’d love to have him and hope that that does happen…But when he walks through the door is when it’ll be the right time.”
He said he hasn’t been in regular contact with Wiggins. Giving him space. pic.twitter.com/VgveA17uMO
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) March 29, 2023
Curry echoed sentiments he’s shared over the past few weeks, telling reporters that he’s giving Wiggins space and has not been in direct contact with the forward.
When will Andrew Wiggins return?
For the first time during Wiggins’ absence, there is a general timeline of when the All-Star forward may return.
On April 3, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Wiggins is “nearing a return to the team and is expected to be back early this week.”
ESPN Sources: Golden State Warriors All-Star forward Andrew Wiggins is nearing a return to the team and is expected to be back early this week. Wiggins has missed 21 games attending to a family matter. Huge boost for the defending champions and sixth seed in the West. pic.twitter.com/bQAw8ixINI
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 3, 2023
The Athletic’s Charania followed up on that report, stating Wiggins plans to attend the Golden State’s home game against the Thunder on Tuesday, April 4.
The Warriors’ key decision-makers were adamant that Wiggins’ family situation would not cause him to miss the entire season. With one week remaining, it appears the 28-year-old is almost ready to rejoin the team.
Warriors schedule 2022-23
The Warriors have three more games left in the regular season. Here’s a look at Golden State’s remaining schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 4 | vs. Thunder | 10 p.m. | — |
| April 7 | at Kings | 10 p.m. | — |
| April 9 | at Trail Blazers | 3:30 p.m. | — |
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Andrew Wiggins stats this season
Here is how Wiggins’ stats compare to last year’s All-Star season. As you can see, his performance has been essentially on par with the level of play that earned him an invite to All-Star Weekend in 2022.
| Stats | 2021-22 | 2022-23 |
| PPG | 17.2 | 17.1 |
| RPG | 4.5 | 5.0 |
| APG | 2.2 | 2.3 |
| SPG | 1.0 | 1.2 |
| BPG | 0.7 | 0.8 |
| FG% | 46.6 | 47.3 |
| 3PT FG% | 39.3 | 39.6 |
| Games missed | 9 | 42 |