Steve Kerr, Warriors ‘hope’ Andrew Wiggins can return this season
Kerr, Warriors “hope” Wiggins can return this season originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
SAN FRANCISCO — Andrew Wiggins will miss his 11th straight game Saturday night due to a family matter as the Warriors host the Milwaukee Bucks at the Chase Center. With less than a month out of the regular season, will Wiggins return this season?
“I think that’s the hope,” said Steve Kerr during his pre-game press conference. “But really, there is nothing to report.”
On March 1, Warriors general manager Bob Myers made the switch to 95.7 The Game’s “Steiny & Guru” and said “that’s not the expectation” when asked if Wiggins could be out for the rest of the season. However, with a situation this fluid, things could easily change.
The Warriors have been very quiet about Wiggins’ absence from the team. Though he’s dropped out for “personal reasons,” the franchise has stressed that this is a “family matter.”
Kerr and Warriors players alike checked in with Wiggins during this time. More than anything, they continue to respect his space and put family above basketball.
“We’re giving him his space, as we discussed, as he’s engaged in something that’s way more important than a game,” Kerr said. “If he can come back, that would be great. And if not, then that’s the case. Whatever happens, we will handle it accordingly.”
Wiggins has averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists this season while shooting 47.3 percent from the field and 39.6 percent on 3-point attempts. But he has only played 37 games. His last game was almost a month ago on February 13th.
He had 29 points with seven rebounds and four assists, leading to a 21 plus/minus in a nine-point win over the Washington Wizards in his last game.
In Wiggin’s absence, Jonathan Kuminga has been tremendous for the Warriors. The 20-year-old forward has averaged 14.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals since Wiggins was out, shooting 51.5 percent from field and 41.7 percent from deep. Ahead of Tuesday’s game in Memphis, Kuminga twisted his right ankle and will now miss his second straight game.
RELATED: Why Kuminga’s ankle injury and health are vital to warriors
Kuminga is not in a hiking boot and is considered everyday wear.
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