The Golden State Warriors have been handed a massive boost in their hopes of retaining the NBA title with the imminent return of All-Star Andrew Wiggins, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski.
The 28-year-old has missed 22 straight games attending to a family matter and will rejoin the defending champions who find themselves battling to maintain a playoff spot with only three games remaining in the regular season. However, it is unclear whether Wiggins will suit up before the post-season.
ESPN’s Wojnarowski quoted sources as saying Wiggins is ‘nearing a return to the team’ and is expected to be back in the Bay area ‘as soon as the next 24 hours.’
Golden State will be keen to reintegrate Wiggins as quickly as possible into their ailing line-up which has flattered to deceive this campaign. The squad currently sit sixth in the congested Western Conference, level with the Los Angeles Clippers above them but only half a game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans in seventh and eighth respectively.
Dropping out of the sixth spot would mean the 2022 champions would need to navigate the uncertain play-in tournament to secure a place in the first round of the playoffs that gets underway next week.
The organisation have remained resolute in their support of the forward who starred in their championship-winning run last term and have refused to be drawn on the issue that has kept Wiggins away from the roster for such an extended period of time.
Last week Steph Curry told ESPN: "We'd love to have him and hope that that does happen, because we want to be whole and I'm sure he wants to be a part of this. But when he walks in the door, it'll be when it's the right time for him. That's kind of the expectation at this point."
While coach Steve Kerr confirmed the former first-overall pick has kept up a daily training regime during his time away from the team. To date, Wiggins has missed a total of 42 games for the Warriors this season with a left foot injury, an adductor issue and a bout with illness.
The Warriors face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night before short trips to meet the Sacramento Kings and the Portland Trail Blazers as they bid to stave off the threat from the chasing pack. Wiggins’ return to the line-up could prove key in their final two games of a regular season that has seen the roster go an abysmal 9-30 on the road.
