Healthy Wiggins practices, but preseason status undecided originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
SAN FRANCISCO – Andrew Wiggins advanced to the next step in getting back into the game on Tuesday after missing all of training camp in Hawaii and the Warriors’ preseason opener due to illness.
On Monday, Wiggins sat through the entire practice outside of live reps. Sniffing his media availability Tuesday and having to pause at one point for a few coughs, Wiggins said he was able to fully practice everything the Warriors did one day before their preseason game against the Sacramento Kings at Ora 1 Center.
“I feel better, a lot better than before,” Wiggins said.
Wiggins will not play Wednesday as he continues to get fully healthy and gets through more practice time after a week off. The Warriors play Friday at home against the Kings, and then again at Chase Center on Sunday against the Detroit Pistons.
It remains unclear whether Wiggins will be able to play in any of those games, although Kerr has already said he will be cleared before the regular season opener on Oct. 23 in Portland.
“Not yet,” Wiggins said. “I’m just leaning on the coaching staff and all of them to guide me through 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. As other players enjoyed the beach and spending time with their families on the North Shore, Wiggins did everything he could to beat his cold.
He also did everything he could to make sure he didn’t fall behind on an important few days from Kerr and his coaching staff in bringing new terminology and facilities to an offense that is expected to see some tweaks.
Kerr in Hawaii said he didn’t care at all about Wiggins when it came down to it. Wiggins, who was seen wearing a mask and taking free throws during training camp practices and also sat on the bench wearing a mask during the game, doesn’t seem worried either.
“We still have some time before the regular season starts, and I’m going back to practice now and going through everything,” Wiggins said. “We have a great coach. They’re great teachers and I’m just trying to learn and figure things out.
“I watched 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 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 competitive juices.
Payton defensively got the better of his teammates on most occasions, including swinging by Wiggins on two straight possessions in the post. What may have been the first made bucket on Payton was a quick three 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 already been felt by everyone. Stackhouse, 49, even participated in the drill a few times. When he wasn’t in the action, he could be heard barking, “That’s a fight!” while applauding a hard-nosed game.
“He’s a very competitive guy,” Wiggins said. “He thinks he can still go out there and hoop with us, which he did a little bit in the 1st. It’s great to have him around. A great addition and he brings a lot of fuel to what we’ve done.”
Playing in the preseason will have to wait at least a few more days. In the meantime, Wiggins competes in practice and continues to move forward while clearly still battling a biting cold.
