Healthy workouts for Wiggins, but Warriors’ preseason status undecided originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – Andrew Wiggins On Tuesday, we took the next step to return to the game after missing all of training camp in Hawaii and Warriors preseason opener because of an illness.
On Monday, Wiggins completed the entire workout outside of live rehearsals. Sniffing his media availability Tuesday and having to take a break at one point for a few coughs, Wiggins said he was able to practice fully with whatever the Warriors did a day before their preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
“I feel better, much better than before,” Wiggins said.
Wiggins will not play Wednesday as he continues to be fully healthy and spends more time practicing after a week off. The Warriors will play Friday at home against the Kings, then again at Chase Center on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons.
It remains unclear whether Wiggins will be able to play in either of those games, although Kerr has already said he will be cleared before the regular season opener on Oct. 23 at Portland.
“Not yet,” Wiggins said. “I just rely on the coaching staff and all of them to guide me when they think I’m ready.”
Certainly, Wiggins was disappointed to have to miss the four days of practice in Hawaii, as well as Saturday’s win against the LA Clippers. While other players were enjoying the beach and spending time with their families on the North Shore, Wiggins was doing everything he could to recover from his cold.
He was also doing everything he could to make sure he didn’t fall behind during the important few days when Kerr and his coaching staff brought new terminologies and facilities to an offense that would have to undergo some adjustments.
Kerr in Hawaii said he wasn’t at all concerned with Wiggins on the matter. Wiggins, who was seen wearing a mask and making free throws during training camp practices and also sitting on the bench with a mask during the game, didn’t seem concerned either.
“We still have some time before the regular season starts, and I’m back at practice now and going through everything,” Wiggins said. “We have a great coaching staff. They are great teachers and I’m just trying to learn and understand things.
“I was watching a lot from the sidelines in Hawaii. It wasn’t like I was left behind or anything like that. Obviously it’s easier when you’re in the drills and in the mix than watching from the sidelines, but I had a good view.
During Tuesday’s practice session open to the media, Wiggins performed individual drills at different spots on the field 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. The atmosphere was good, as were the competitive juices.
Payton got the better of his teammates defensively in most cases, including sweeping Wiggins on two straight possessions in the post. What might have been the first bucket made on Payton was a quick three Wiggins made at the top of the arc.
“Iron sharpens iron, and we’re just here to make ourselves better,” Wiggins said.
The intensity of Stackhouse, a two-time NBA All-Star during his 18-year playing career, has already been felt by all. Stackhouse, 49, even participated in the exercise on several occasions. When he wasn’t in action, he could be heard barking, “It’s a battle!” » while applauding an uncompromising game.
“He’s a very competitive guy,” Wiggins said. “He thinks he can still go play hoops with us, which he did a little bit in the 1s. It’s great to have him there.” Great addition and he brings a lot of fuel to what we do.
Playing in preseason will have to wait at least a few more days. Meanwhile, Wiggins is participating in practice and continuing to move forward while clearly battling a nagging cold.
