Following the Warriors’ personal absence, a new Andrew Wiggins update
Following the Warriors’ Personal Absence, a New Andrew Wiggins Update
As the Golden State Warriors navigate the high-stakes 2025 NBA season, one key player whose absence has had significant ramifications on the team’s performance is Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins, a critical part of the Warriors’ championship core, has missed time due to personal reasons, leaving a void in the lineup that has forced the Warriors to adjust their rotations and rely on other players to fill the gap.
For a team that has grown accustomed to winning with a star-studded roster, the absence of a versatile wing like Wiggins raises questions about the Warriors’ championship aspirations. While head coach Steve Kerr and the front office have provided periodic updates on the situation, fans and analysts have been left wondering when Wiggins will return and how his personal issues will impact the Warriors’ overall season trajectory.
In this article, we will break down the latest update regarding Andrew Wiggins’ absence, what his return could mean for the Warriors, and how the team has managed in his absence.
Andrew Wiggins’ Importance to the Warriors’ Success
Before diving into the updates surrounding Wiggins’ absence, it’s important to understand just how crucial he has been to the Warriors’ success over the past few seasons.
Since joining the Warriors in 2020 in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Wiggins has been a key figure in Golden State’s rise to another championship. His combination of scoring, defense, and versatility has made him an ideal fit alongside the Warriors’ superstar duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, as well as the defensive anchor Draymond Green.
During the Warriors’ 2022 NBA Finals victory over the Boston Celtics, Wiggins emerged as a pivotal player, contributing 18.3 points per game and grabbing 8.8 rebounds per game. He was lauded for his ability to guard the Celtics’ best players and for being an effective scorer when Curry or Thompson were double-teamed.
Wiggins’ ability to play both ends of the floor is something that has always made him valuable to the Warriors. He has been able to score in transition, space the floor with three-point shooting, and lock down on defense, particularly in crucial matchups. As a wing who can contribute in multiple ways, he fits seamlessly into Golden State’s high-paced offense and has earned his place as one of their most indispensable players.
The Personal Absence: What We Know So Far
Andrew Wiggins has missed significant time during the 2025 season due to personal reasons. While the Warriors and Wiggins himself have been tight-lipped about the specifics, the situation was first revealed to the public when Wiggins was listed as “away from the team” for an extended period. The absence caught many off guard, given Wiggins’ key role in the Warriors’ lineup and his importance to the team’s success.
Steve Kerr and the Warriors’ front office have remained supportive of Wiggins during his absence, offering privacy and understanding as he deals with personal matters. Kerr made a statement acknowledging that Wiggins is a “valued member of this team” and that his well-being was the Warriors’ top priority. Despite the lack of specific details, the understanding around the team is that Wiggins’ personal issues, whatever they may be, are serious enough to require his full attention and focus outside of basketball.
During his absence, the Warriors have struggled at times to find a consistent rotation to fill his role. With Kuminga, Gary Payton II, and other bench players stepping up, the Warriors have done their best to fill the void left by Wiggins’ absence. However, Wiggins’ two-way contributions—particularly his ability to lock down on defense and score efficiently—have been sorely missed in important games.
The Latest Update: Wiggins’ Return Timeline
As of January 2025, there has been a new update regarding Wiggins’ situation. According to sources close to the Warriors, Wiggins has been making progress with the personal matters that caused his absence. While the specifics of his situation remain private, it has been reported that he has been in communication with the Warriors’ coaching staff and front office, and there is growing optimism that he will return to the team sooner rather than later.
Wiggins himself has expressed a desire to return to the court and contribute to his teammates, but it’s clear that he is still prioritizing resolving his personal matters before fully re-engaging with the team. The Warriors have emphasized that Wiggins will return when he feels ready and that his return will not be rushed, as his health—both mental and physical—is of paramount importance.
In terms of a timeline, it’s still unclear exactly when Wiggins will return to the Warriors’ lineup. Reports indicate that he has been staying in shape during his time away from the team, which suggests that he could be able to jump back into playing once he resolves his personal issues. The team’s medical and support staff have been working closely with Wiggins to ensure that when he returns, he is both physically and mentally prepared to rejoin the team at a high level.
The Impact of Wiggins’ Absence on the Warriors
The Warriors have undoubtedly felt the loss of Wiggins over the past several weeks. While Golden State still boasts a roster filled with championship experience, the absence of a versatile wing who can defend elite players, space the floor, and contribute offensively has created noticeable gaps in their game.
Defensive Struggles
One of the most significant impacts of Wiggins’ absence has been on the defensive side of the ball. Wiggins is widely regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, capable of guarding both wings and smaller forwards effectively. In the Warriors’ 2022 Finals run, Wiggins played an essential role in defending Jayson Tatum and other top-tier Celtics players, showcasing his ability to rise to the occasion in big moments.
Without Wiggins, the Warriors have struggled at times to guard opposing wings and forwards. Jonathan Kuminga and Donte DiVincenzo have stepped up in Wiggins’ absence, but neither offers the same defensive versatility and lockdown ability that Wiggins brings on a nightly basis. Against high-scoring teams like the Phoenix Suns or Dallas Mavericks, the Warriors have had to rely on a more team-oriented defensive effort to make up for the lack of Wiggins’ individual defense.
Offensive Inconsistencies
While the Warriors are known for their offensive firepower, particularly through the dynamic duo of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, they have experienced some offensive inconsistencies without Wiggins in the lineup. Wiggins has averaged 18.0 points per game during his tenure with the Warriors and is a capable scorer both off the ball and in isolation. His three-point shooting (around 40%) and ability to finish at the rim help space the floor for Curry and Thompson, particularly when the defense focuses heavily on their shooting threats.
In his absence, the Warriors have had to rely more heavily on Jordan Poole and Kuminga to provide scoring off the bench. While Poole’s offensive game has evolved, his consistency has been a concern, and Kuminga is still developing into a reliable scorer at the NBA level. Without Wiggins’ steady scoring, the Warriors’ offense has occasionally become more predictable, and the team has sometimes struggled to maintain leads or create offensive flow against elite defensive teams.
The Importance of Wiggins’ Return to the Warriors’ Championship Hopes
The Warriors have championship aspirations in 2025, and Andrew Wiggins’ return will be pivotal to their success. While the team has depth and talent, Wiggins’ unique skill set and versatility are integral to what the Warriors do on both sides of the floor. With the playoffs approaching, having Wiggins back in the lineup will help the Warriors in multiple areas:
- Defensive Strength: Wiggins’ return would immediately strengthen the Warriors’ defense, particularly against top-tier wings and forwards. As Golden State looks ahead to the postseason, they will need all hands on deck to guard the likes of LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Kawhi Leonard—players who can dominate games in the absence of elite defenders.
- Offensive Balance: Wiggins offers another reliable scoring option, taking some of the pressure off Curry and Thompson. His ability to shoot from outside, drive to the basket, and create his own offense will allow Golden State to diversify their attack and become more unpredictable for opposing defenses.
- Playoff Experience: Wiggins has been a crucial part of the Warriors’ playoff runs in the past, and his experience in high-pressure situations will be invaluable as Golden State prepares for a potential title defense in 2025. His confidence and poise in big moments can be the difference in close playoff games.
