Source Article via The Athletic’s Marcus Thompson – [“Andrew Wiggins had the Warriors on his side, and that says a lot”](https://theathletic.com/4312737/2023/03/15/andrew-wiggins-warriors-absence?source=user-shared-article)
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> It’s noticeable Wiggins is not there laughing with Jordan Poole or talking across the room’s diameter to JaMychal Green. Wiggins’ smile is usually a symbol that things are well. But it’s been gone for a while.They know why, inside that locker room. He has their grace. That says a lot.
>**“What he’s dealing with,” one player said, “is some real (expletive).”**
> So much is riding on this coming postseason, for which Golden State still needs to secure a spot…A deep playoff run solves a lot. But that seems to rely on the return of Wiggins…Yet, his absence doesn’t seem to be creating resentment. Frustration and anger would be normal in this situation. But all you’ll find in the Warriors’ locker room is patience and understanding, a little disappointment but a lot of concern. They get why Wiggins isn’t there. They aren’t feeling betrayed or abandoned. More than that, they are collectively protecting Wiggins.
> Yet, not a single player seems to be whispering behind his back. No veiled shots have been fired. **Even when off the record, no one is going against his wishes**…Every game missed intensifies curiosity. But it doesn’t increase our entitlement. His teammates, his coaches and his bosses understand what is happening and are honoring his wishes. For those outside the locker room, that has to be enough.
>**“If we’re fine with it,” one player said, “and the people who pay him understand, then so should everyone else.”**
by NokCha_
22 Comments
“The modern landscape of sports makes it so players’ lives can feel like public property. They certainly offer up quite a bit for the sake of brand building. But it doesn’t mean they’ve signed over their agency.
If anyone has been consistent about this, it’s Wiggins. He’s as private as they come. He doesn’t leverage his personal life in exchange for monetizable intrigue and adoration. He hoops and he goes home. His desires are well established. Wiggins’ entire approach is a declaration that we don’t own all of him just because he’s in the NBA. He is a reminder these athletes deserve to decide what is shared and what is sanctified. He has requested privacy with his behavior, and it should be respected. We should be humane enough to recognize his liberty.
We know Wiggins doesn’t miss games. This is the first time in his career he’s missed significant time. He’d already missed 20 of the first 57 games before this latest stretch of absences. He was just finding his groove, too. It’s safe to say he would rather be playing. So whatever is keeping him must be severe enough to warrant this, because Wiggins suits up.”
🗣️🗣️🗣️🗣️
I hope his kids are OK
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The media really pushing for this Wiggins story. Best believe a couple of them are doing shady shit to get info. Leave Wiggins alone
That narrows it down sadly.
This doesn’t really come off like a family matter.
Man I honestly am just hoping we get Wiggins back at any point. Doesn’t have to be this year, I just want one of my favorite warriors to be alright in the long run
Someone came on 957 the game today and said his girl cheated on him… Bonta wasn’t happy that this person came on and said that and quickly ended the call. Who knows if it’s true at all tho but no matter what it is, if the players are fine with the absence then that’s all that really matters.
I saw rumors of a drug rehab thing, but there’s no way to verify that. Hope dude is alright.
Is he injured or is he going through mental health issues? And if so, why so hush hush? 🧐
Players and staff have made it clear it’s none of our business. Move on
Love you Wigs, rest up for next year. Mental health is everything
Like people have been saying, the video of Draymond knocking JP out cold was leaked, the photo of Ja at the strip club with a stripper on him and the floor literally covered with cash was leaked. Anything can and will leak if someone decides to. The fact that nobody has said anything speaks to the seriousness of the situation.
Goddamn what if it’s one of his kids. Fuck, please don’t let it be that.
Whatever the reason, it’s not looking like he’s coming back this season. We need to keep that in mind and try to fortify this roster as much as it can be without him. Might mean we have to sign Lamb just to have another floor spacing forward
Let’s just respect Wiggins privacy. It’s the least we can do. These are actual people with real lives outside of professional basketball.
Why’s everyone assuming it’s a sick, dying or dead family member? NBA players have dealt with this for years without taking this amount of time off. There could very well be something wrong with Wiggs but we may never know. Based off his girlfriend’s social media, the kids and her are okay.
Props to the organization for respecting Wiggins’ privacy. Not every FO/staff/collection of teammates would show this kind of solidarity and compassion…..love ya Wiggs & GO DUBS !!!!
It says a lot about the character of this team and for the love and respect they all have for Wiggins for there to be such a media blackout on this story.
Especially considering the leaked preseason punch.
Prayers up for Wiggs and his family.
I remember there were reports last season that everyone in the locker room loved Wiggins, so I’m not surprised there’s no frustration or resentment.
The more stuff like this comes out the more it seems like it’s Wiggins himself. It’s scary honestly. Season shouldn’t consist of him being involved at this point (fan wise). Let’s focus on our guys and wish Wiggins family and himself the best
I personally don’t care what happened, just get well and come back soon Wiggins. You’re a huge piece for this team! 🙌🏻
I’m assuming family member death or serious medical condition. Maybe he back for playoffs, but if he doesnt suit up at all this season/post season, we arent going far this year.