Wiggins practices healthy, but Warriors’ preseason status undecided originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – Andrew Wiggins on Tuesday advanced to the next step in returning to game action after missing all of training camp in Hawaii and The Warriors’ first preseason game. because of an illness.
On Monday, Wiggins conducted all of practice outside of live reps. Sniffling about his media availability Tuesday and having to pause at one point for a couple of coughs, Wiggins said he was able to fully practice with everything the Warriors did a day before their preseason game against the Sacramento Kings in the Golden 1 Center.
“I feel better, much better than before,” Wiggins said.
Wiggins will not play Wednesday as he continues to fully recover to health and spends more practice time after a bye week. The Warriors play Friday at home against the Kings and then again at Chase Center on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons.
It’s not yet clear if Wiggins will be able to play in any of those games, although Kerr has already said he will be released before the regular season opener on Oct. 23 at Portland.
“Not yet,” Wiggins said. “I just lean on the training staff and all of them to guide me when they think I’m ready.”
Admittedly, Wiggins was disappointed to have to miss all four days of practice in Hawaii, plus Saturday’s win over the LA Clippers. While other players were enjoying the beach and spending time with their families on the North Shore, Wiggins was doing his best to get over his cold.
He was also doing everything he could to make sure he didn’t fall behind during an important few days in which Kerr and his coaching staff brought new terminology and facilities to an offense that is expected to see some adjustments.
Kerr in Hawaii said he wasn’t the least bit worried about Wiggins when it came down to it. Wiggins, who was seen wearing a mask and shooting free throws during training camp practices and also sitting on the bench wearing a mask during the game, also doesn’t seem concerned.
“We still have some time before the regular season starts, and now I’m back at practice and going over everything,” Wiggins said. “We have a great coaching staff. They are excellent teachers and I just try to learn and solve things.
“I was watching a lot from the sidelines in Hawaii. It wasn’t like they were leaving me behind or anything. 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 practice session open to the media, Wiggins went through 1-on-1 drills at different spots on the court as part of a group led by coaches Jacob Rubin and Jerry Stackhouse. Players included Wiggins, Gary Payton II, Moses Moody, Kyle Anderson and Kevon Looney. Spirits were high, as were the competitive juices.
Payton defensively outplayed his teammates on most occasions, including a hit on Wiggins on two straight possessions in the post. What could have been the first successful bucket on Payton was a quick three that Wiggins made at the top of the arc.
“Iron sharpens iron, and we’re just here to make each other better,” Wiggins said.
The intensity of Stackhouse, who was a two-time NBA All-Star in his 18-year playing career, has been felt by everyone. Stackhouse, 49, even participated in the drill several times. When not in action, he could be heard barking, “That’s a battle!” while applauding hard play.
“He’s a very competitive guy,” Wiggins said. “He thinks he can still come out and play for us, which he did a little bit at the 1s. It’s great to have him around. Great addition and adds a lot of fuel to what we are doing.”
To play the preseason we will have to wait at least a few more days. Meanwhile, Wiggins is competing in practice and continues to make progress while clearly still battling a lingering cold.