Andrew Wiggins' months-long absence finally explained

Andrew Wiggins’ months-long absence finally explained

Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards at Chase Center on February 13, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins has missed a good chunk of the 2022-2023 season due to what the team dubbed personal reasons. Now, those reasons have come to light.

The Golden State Warriors have been without forward Andrew Wiggins since mid-February, when the team announced that Wiggins was taking a hiatus due to personal reasons.

At the time, wild and often vicious rumors spread regarding Wiggins’ absence with some people even guessing that he was going through a rough patch with his wife.

His reason for missing time was indeed personal, but it will cause all the speculation-mongers to bite their tongues: according to Shams Charania, Wiggins’ father has been dealing with a serious medical situation.

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

Prayers up for Mitchell Wiggins.

Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins reveals tragic reason behind absence

Wiggins missed 22 consecutive games due to his family matter and was recently spotted back in the Bay Area, presumably gearing up for his imminent return to Golden State’s lineup.

The Warriors have voiced their support for Wiggins ever since his leave of absence and should be excited to have the former All-Star back in the fold; Wiggins was a starter in all 37 games he played this season and memorably stepped up in Golden State’s title run last year.

Wiggins signed a four-year $109 million deal with the Warriors afterward that was arguably well below his market value, and following the tragic news of his father’s medical situation has come to light, no one should be questioning his loyalty to the franchise.

He’s returning just in time for the playoffs — assuming the sixth-place Warriors can avoid the treacherous play-in tournament in their final three games. Two of those three games are on the road, and knowing the Warriors’ issues when playing away from home, Wiggins’ comeback could be the team’s much-needed morale boost to overcome their disastrous 9-30 away record.

Wiggins has reportedly been working out during his break from the team but will be evaluated prior to Tuesday’s game against the Oklahoma Thunder.

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