Bob Myers gives an update on Andrew Wiggins' continued absence: All you need to know
Bob Myers recently updated Golden State Warriors fans regarding forward Andrew Wiggins' extended absence. Wiggins has missed the last five games citing a personal family matter and will miss his sixth when the Dubs host the LA Clippers on Thursday.
Jordan Poole is listed as probable for the Warriors tomorrow against the Clippers. Left knee contusion. Poole has played in every game this season. Andrew Wiggins will miss a sixth straight game as he deals with a family matter.
Myers isn't expecting Wiggins to stay out for long. However, the Warriors' GM didn't have answers to what personal matter Wiggins is currently dealing with. Here's what he said on 95.7 The Game's "Steiny & Guru" show on Wednesday (via Audacy):
“I don’t think that’s what anybody is planning for. But we’ll leave that in its own place. That’s not the expectation. I think what you’re asking is – could he remain out for a long, long time? I don’t think that’s happening."
He added:
"I’m going to leave that alone. Hopefully when he gets back, whatever words he would like to say on it, which I don’t think will be much – it’s his private life – he will do.”
Wiggins has been a professional throughout his career. He has played all 82 games thrice in his career (2015, 2017, 2018), played 81 games during the 2015-16 season, 73 of 82 games in 2018-19, played 54 games in the covid-shortened 2019-20 season, 71 of 72 games in 2020-21 and 73 of 82 games during the Warriors championship season.
His short absence has mostly been due to injuries, so it's understandable why Myers and the Warriors believe Andrew Wiggins could be back soon. This personal matter seems critical as it has forced him out for five games, dating back to the Warriors' 135-126 win over the Wizards on February 13th.
Click here to read Bob Myers' interview on Wiggins' extended absence.
Andrew Wiggins is a vital cog for the Golden State Warriors
Andrew Wiggins emerged as the Golden State Warriors' second-best player behind Steph Curry last season. Wiggins made an impact on both ends of the court, especially defensively. He was assigned the task of guarding the opposing team's best player nightly, and Wiggins came through with it.
He averaged 17.2 points and 4.5 rebounds, shooting 46.6% overall, including 39.3% from deep. Wiggins carried over that form into the playoffs and was among the candidates to win the finals MVP for the stellar job of limiting Jayson Tatum in the championship-deciding round.
Andrew Wiggins ensured he kept producing the goods for the Warriors this season. In the 37 games he has played, Wiggins has averaged 17.1 ppg and 5.0 ppg on 47.3% shooting, including a career-high 39.6% from 3-point range on 6.1 attempts.
Wiggins is a vital cog in the Warriors' bid to defend their title this season. They have struggled all year, but aside from Curry, Wiggins has been their most consistent player. The Dubs are fifth in the West with a 32-30 record. However, they will need Wiggins back soon to sustain their current run and avoid the play-in tournament.