Andrew Wiggins family matters updates: Steve Kerr on how Warriors’ forward not playing impacts the team

Andrew Wiggins will miss his ninth straight game for the Warriors on Tuesday against the Thunder.

The 28-year-old forward who broke out last season en route to being named an All-Star starter has not suited up for the Warriors since February 13 against the Wizards. Per the Warriors most recent injury report released on Sunday, Wiggins remains out and away from the team for a personal family matter.

Although their wing stopper is missing, the Warriors are slowly rounding into shape as they eagerly await the return of several key players. 

Stephen Curry returned to the lineup Sunday after missing 11 games. He scored 27 points in 32 minutes in the loss to the Lakers, his first action since February 4. Draymond Green returned to the lineup last week against the Trail Blazers after missing two games with a knee contusion. Along with Gary Payton II and Andre Iguodala, the Warriors have been playing long stretches without roughly half of its projected playoff rotation.

With Curry now back, no piece is more important for the Warriors’ postseason hopes than Wiggins.

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 Curry — the former No. 1 overall pick has had an up-and-down season.

Prior to this most recent absence, Wiggins has 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 for 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.

MORE: Stephen Curry nearing return from injury

Here is the latest update on what we know about Wiggins’ ongoing absence and when he might return.

Why is Andrew Wiggins not playing for the Warriors?

Wiggins remains away from the team and out of the lineup due to an ongoing personal family matter.

The Warriors initially listed Wiggins out for the February 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 February 23 against the Lakers, Wiggins missed that game and remains away from the team.

Both Kerr and Jordan Poole spoke to reporters on Monday and opened up on how the team is managing his absence.

Steve Kerr & Jordan Poole were asked on Monday about how the team is dealing with the absence of Andrew Wiggins on a human, non-basketball level: pic.twitter.com/TRqmDRI7Rc

— Jason Dumas (@JDumasReports) March 7, 2023

Neither the Warriors nor Wiggins have provided any further specifics about his personal family matter. The Warriors included Wiggins on their injury report on Sunday, listing him out against the Lakers for personal reasons. The Warriors are 5-3 during this latest stretch without Wiggins heading into their game at Oklahoma City on Tuesday.

When will Andrew Wiggins return?

Warriors GM Bob Myers joined Bay Area radio on 95.7 The Game last Thursday to shed some light on when he might be back. And while no return is imminent, Myers doesn’t expect Wiggins to miss the rest of the season.

“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. 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.”

Without Wiggins, Iguodala (hip) and Payton II (abdomen), the Warriors have managed to stay afloat in a jam-packed Western Conference. Although they lost on Sunday, Curry’s return should held further steady the ship and solidify Golden State’s quest not only to secure a playoff spot but potentially home court in the first round.

They are 34-31 and now in 5th place, working to keep pace with the Suns who are starting to click with the trade for Kevin Durant. Winning five of their last six provided some breathing room as the Warriors sit three games up in the loss column from the Jazz, Blazers, Lakers and Pelicans who are all 31-34 and in 9th through 12th place.

MORE: How the Warriors survived Steph Curry’s month-long injury

Warriors schedule 2022-23

The Warriors have a tough slate in March. The next month’s schedule includes games against the Clippers (2x), Bucks, Suns, Mavericks and Grizzlies (2x). 

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Here’s a look at Golden State’s upcoming schedule.

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.

Wiggins’ return will play a vital factor in whether or not the Warriors can avoid the play-in and potentially secure home court in the first round.