Andrew Wiggins Raring to Go in the Playoffs After Prolonged Absence

• Andrew Wiggins is ready to go ahead of Golden State Warriors playoff showdown with the Sacramento Kings
• He returned to the team last week after stepping away from the team due to a personal family matter
• Wiggins was a key player for the Warriors in their run to the NBA finals

Despite missing the Golden State Warriors' last 24 games, Andrew Wiggins is looking forward to returning to NBA action when his team plays the Sacramento Kings in Game 1 of the NBA playoffs.

Wiggins was a key player for the Warriors in their championship run last season but was forced to step away from the team in February to attend to a personal family matter.

The 28-year-old forward played just 37 games, but he returns at an important time for the franchise; the playoffs.

Steve Kerr's team are looking to defend the title they won last season. Wiggins played a vital role for the Warriors, and some felt he was their second-best player behind finals MVP Stephen Curry.

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Considering the Warriors struggled for consistency all season, it will be interesting to see if Wiggins's return will help improve their defense which was poor on the road.

Wiggins is "ready to go"

It is unclear if Wiggins will start or come from the bench. Either way, he's ready to go whenever the team needs him, per NBC Sports.

"I'm feeling good," Wiggins said. "Feeling good being out there practicing and working hard with my guys and preparing for the playoff push." 

The All-Star has played 662 career games in the regular season and the playoffs. Since he came into the league, he hasn't come off the bench. Curry came off the bench in the first four games of the playoffs last season; therefore, Wiggins would probably have no problems coming off the bench.

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Wiggins is ready to do whatever the team requires him to.

"It'd be different," Wiggins said. "It's something that I haven't done. You know what, I'm down for whatever helps the team." 

In the 37 NBA games he's played this season, Wiggins averaged 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists. He shot 47.3% from the field and 39.6% from three.

Curry support for Wiggins

Sports Brief earlier reported on Warriors star Stephen Curry's touching message for his teammate while he was away from the team.

The Golden State talisman explained it was a tough situation but expressed support to him as both a friend and a teammate.

Wiggins was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, playing in nine seasons, including the Warriors' 2022 run to the title.