SAN FRANCISCO – Andrew Wiggins on Tuesday progressed to the subsequent step in order to get again into game motion after lacking all of coaching camp in Hawaii and the Warriors’ preseason opener due to an sickness.
On Monday, Wiggins went by means of the entirety of follow outdoors of reside reps. Sniffling by means of his media availability Tuesday and having to pause at one level for a few coughs, Wiggins mentioned he was in a position to absolutely follow with all the pieces the Warriors did at some point earlier than their preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
“I’m feeling better, a lot better than before,” Wiggins mentioned.
Wiggins will not play Wednesday as he continues to get absolutely wholesome and goes by means of extra follow time after every week off. The Warriors play Friday at residence against the Kings, after which once more at Chase Center on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons.
It stays unclear if Wiggins will have the ability to play in both a type of video games, although Kerr already has mentioned he’ll be cleared earlier than the common-season opener on Oct. 23 in Portland.
“Not yet,” Wiggins mentioned. “I’m just leaning on the training staff and all them to guide me through when they think I’m ready.”
Admittedly, Wiggins was disenchanted having to overlook all 4 days of follow in Hawaii, plus Saturday’s win over the LA Clippers. As different gamers loved the seaside and spending time with their households on the North Shore, Wiggins was doing all the pieces he may to recover from his chilly.
He additionally was doing all the pieces he may to ensure he wasn’t falling behind throughout an essential few days of Kerr and his teaching workers bringing new terminology and installations to an offense that's anticipated to see some tweaks.
Kerr in Hawaii mentioned he wasn’t involved in the least bit about Wiggins when it got here to that. Wiggins, who was seen carrying a masks and taking free throws throughout coaching camp practices and likewise sat on the bench with a masks on throughout the game, doesn’t seem fearful both.
“We still have some time before the regular season starts, and I’m back at practice now and going through everything,” Wiggins mentioned. “We have an incredible teaching workers. They’re nice academics and I’m simply attempting to study and determine stuff out.
“I was watching a lot from the sidelines in Hawaii. It wasn’t like I was getting left behind or anything like that. Obviously it’s easier when you’re in the drills and in the mix doing it than watching from the sidelines, but I had a good view.”
During Tuesday’s follow session open to the media, Wiggins went by means of 1-on-1 drills at totally different spots on the court docket as a part of a gaggle led by coaches Jacob Rubin and Jerry Stackhouse. Players included Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, Kyle Anderson and Kevon Looney. Spirits had been excessive, as had been aggressive juices.
Payton defensively acquired the higher of his teammates on most events, together with swiping Wiggins on two straight possessions in the submit. What might need been the first made bucket on Payton was a fast three Wiggins made at the prime of the arc.
Andrew Wiggins simply hit a 3 on Gary Payton II and he’s flustered with Jacob Rubin’s cross lol.
Rare bucket scored on GP2 https://t.co/31cC932rYB pic.twitter.com/5OFhk1Gze0
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) October 8, 2024
Second straight time GP2 has swiped Andrew Wiggins pic.twitter.com/SmzNEesQ05
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) October 8, 2024
“Iron sharpens iron, and we’re just here to make each other better,” Wiggins mentioned.
The depth of Stackhouse, who was a two-time NBA All-Star in his 18-12 months taking part in profession, already has been felt by all. Stackhouse, 49 years outdated, even participated in the drill just a few occasions. When he wasn’t in on the motion, he might be heard barking, “That’s a battle!” whereas applauding exhausting-nosed play.
Jerry Stackhouse nonetheless will get in on drills, too pic.twitter.com/yNMy3mTgjJ
— Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson) October 8, 2024
“He’s a very competitive guy,” Wiggins mentioned. “He thinks he can still go out there and hoop with us, which he did a little bit in the 1s. It’s great having him around. Great addition and he brings a lot of fuel to what we got going on.”
Playing in the preseason will have to attend at the very least just a few extra days. In the meantime, Wiggins is competing in follow and continues to maneuver ahead whereas clearly nonetheless combating a nagging chilly.
