Warriors: Steve Kerr Breaks Silence on Andrew Wiggins’ Minutes Restriction After Mystery Absence
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USA Today via Reuters
Apr 15, 2023; Sacramento, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) dribbles the ball against the Sacramento Kings in the second quarter during game one of the 2023 NBA playoffs at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
For fans wondering why Andrew Wiggins has been playing fewer minutes on the court, Golden State Warriors Coach Steve Kerr finally has an answer. Despite apparently being in good form, Wiggins’ minutes have been restricted. Kerr clarifies, “[Andrew Wiggins] missed 8 or 10 days. He wasn’t ready to go long minutes, so with the back-to-back, we purposely kept his minutes down to help him get back in the groove. I’d expect his minutes to go up from here on.”
"[Andrew Wiggins] missed 8 or 10 days. He wasn't ready to go long minutes, so with the back-to-back we purposely kept his minutes down to help him get back in the groove. I'd expect his minutes to go up from here on."
– Steve Kerr on Wiggins' light playing time (@WillardAndDibs)
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) March 9, 2024
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In the showdown with the Chicago Bulls, forward Andrew Wiggins played for 15 minutes and chipped in 8 points, 1 rebound, and 2 assists. In the Bucks game on March 7th, he played for 14 minutes and contributed 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 assists. Citing a “family matter,” Wiggins missed the final 25 games of the last regular season.
Will Wiggins rise to the occasion?
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This season, however, in the 62 games the Golden State Warriors have played, Wiggins has played in 53. Andrew Wiggins rejoined the Golden State Warriors after a four-game absence due to personal reasons. Kendra Andrews (ESPN) shared a video of Wiggins participating in practice before the Bucks game.
Andrew Wiggins has returned to practice after missing the last week due to a personal family matter. pic.twitter.com/oYyE3DSHxP
— Kendra Andrews (@kendra__andrews) March 5, 2024
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Wiggins’ return is a welcome boost for the Warriors, who are on a difficult run after a rough 2019-20 season (remember that 15-50 nightmare?). Andrew Wiggins was a beast during their 2022 championship win, averaging a staggering 18.3 points per game (2nd on the team) and grabbing team-leading rebounds of 8.8 per game. This season, however, has been a bit of a roller-coaster. Wiggins has been averaging 12.7 points and 4.3 rebounds on 45.5% shooting in the 51 games he’s played.
Regaining his starting role from Moses Moody upon return, Wiggins still saw limited playing time, which has now been explained by Coach Steve Kerr.
A Golden State without its Chef Curry could result in Coach Kerr implementing bigger rotations. Before his recent absence, Wiggins averaged 13.5 points (on 50.4% shooting), 4.5 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 three-pointers, 1.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks in 27.3 minutes over 11 February games.
The Warriors currently hold a 33-29 record, including a 17-16 home record. Despite the recent loss to Chicago, they’ve won 12 of their last 16 games. Notably, the two teams split the season series, each winning on the other’s court. This loss snapped the Warriors’ 8-game home winning streak against the Bulls, dating back to 2015.
The Golden State Warriors currently stand as the ninth seed in the Western Conference. The San Antonio Spurs, led by the rookie Victor Wembanyama, sit in last place at 15th in the Western Conference. Will Wiggins contribute more in the upcoming showdown against the Spurs? Stay tuned to find out!
Read More: Warriors Injury Report: Andrew Wiggins’ Return Update Gives Dubs 1st Clean List in 3+ Months
Written by:
Edited by:
Jayant Chhabra
