Great energy in the gym today ⚡️ Warriors on the court – DUBS PLAY BASKETBALL TOMORROW
Wiggins is practicing healthily, but the Warriors’ preseason standing is unclear
After missing the entirety of training camp in Hawaii and the Warriors’ preseason opener due to illness, Andrew Wiggins advanced to the next phase on Tuesday in order to return to action in games.
Wiggins completed all of practice on Monday, excluding live repetitions. Wiggins, who coughed a few times during his Tuesday media availability, claimed he was able to practice everything the Warriors did the day before their preseason matchup with the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center.
Wiggins remarked, “I feel better, much better than before.”
After taking a week off, Wiggins is working to regain his full health and will not play on Wednesday. The Warriors take on the Kings at home on Friday, then they play the Detroit Pistons at Chase Center again on Sunday.
Although Kerr has already stated that Wiggins will be cleared before the regular-season opening on October 23 in Portland, it is still unknown if Wiggins will be able to participate in either of those games.
“Not quite,” Wiggins replied. “I’m just depending on all of them, the training staff, to help me through when they think I’m ready.”
Wiggins was understandably sad to have to miss the LA Clippers game on Saturday in addition of the four days of practice in Hawaii. While other players took advantage of the beach and North Shore family time, Wiggins was doing his hardest to shake off his illness. Additionally, he was making every effort to ensure that he didn’t fall behind during the crucial few days when Kerr and his coaching staff introduced new setups and terminology to an offense that is anticipated to undergo some adjustments.
In Hawaii, Kerr expressed that he had no concerns whatsoever about Wiggins in that regard. Wiggins doesn’t seem concerned either. During training camp drills, he was spotted wearing a mask while taking free throws and sitting on the bench while wearing one during the game.
“I’m back at practice now and going through everything, and we still have some time before the regular season starts,” Wiggins stated. We have excellent coaches on staff. I’m simply trying to learn and make sense of things, and they’re excellent teachers.
“I spent a lot of time in Hawaii watching from the sidelines. Nothing like that was happening to me—I wasn’t falling behind. I had a nice view, but obviously it’s easier when you’re actually performing the drills and in the mix rather than watching from the sidelines.
In a group coached by coaches Jerry Stackhouse and Jacob Rubin, Wiggins participated in 1-on-1 drills at various locations on the court during Tuesday’s media-only practice. Among the participants were Moses Moody, Kyle Anderson, Kevon Looney, Wiggins, and Gary Payton II. Competitive juices were strong, along with spirits.
Most of the time, Payton outperformed his teammates defensively, even swatting Wiggins twice in a row in the post. Wiggins made a fast three near the top of the arc, which may have been the first bucket made on Payton.
After making a three-pointer off of Gary Payton II, Andrew Wiggins is upset about Jacob Rubin’s pass, lol.
On GP2, a rare bucket was scored: https://t.co/31cC932rYB tweet.com/5OFhk1Gze0
— October 8, 2024, Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson)GP2 has now stolen an image of Andrew Wiggins twice in a row.@SmzNEesQ05 on Twitter
— October 8, 2024, Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson)”We’re just here to make each other better, and iron sharpens iron,” Wiggins remarked.
Everyone has already sensed Stackhouse’s energy; throughout his 18-year playing career, he was a two-time NBA All-Star. Even Stackhouse, 49, took part in the practice a couple of times. He could be heard cheering for tough play and barking, “That’s a battle!” while he wasn’t involved in it.
Jerry Stackhouse continues to participate in drills, too.Twitter: https://yNMy3mTgjJ
— October 8, 2024, Dalton Johnson (@DaltonJ_Johnson)He’s a really competitive man, according to Wiggins. He believes that he can still join us in the hoop, as he demonstrated in the 1s. It’s wonderful to have him here. Excellent acquisition who adds a lot of fuel to our current endeavors.
Preseason play will have to wait for a few more days at the very least. Wiggins is competing in practice in the interim and is making progress despite still obviously having a cold.
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