Andrew Wiggins opens up on his Warriors comeback post-hiatus for personal reasons: "It's tough"

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins is set to make his preseason debut tonight against the LA Lakers. Wiggins missed most of training camp due to an illness he had following media day. Since the preseason games started, the Warriors have been ramping up the return of the All-Star to the lineup.

Warriors fans expect a lot from Wiggins this season, especially on the offensive side of the floor. Following Klay Thompson's departure over the summer, a void on the offensive side has been left open and needs to be filled. The player that most fans could think of was the Canadian star.

On Tuesday, Wiggins confirmed that he'll play for the first time this season. He also addressed his absence from the team, which was caused by the illness he had coming into training camp.

"It's tough," Wiggins said. "Because you lose it fast, especially when your sick. I've been working hard, doing a lot of extra stuff to get my conditioning back, getting that right. I'm excited for tonight.

The 2024-25 NBA season could be Wiggins' redemption year. Last year, he underperformed and generated the lowest averages of his career. The one-time All-Star averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

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Warriors' head coach is still a big believer in Andrew Wiggins

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr is like most fans when it comes to Andrew Wiggins. Thompson's departure gives Wiggins free rein to be in his All-Star form once again.

Ahead of the new season, Kerr shared his expectations of the forward, as the team attempts to contend for another title this season.

"Well I'm not going to put numbers on it, I'm just going to put aggression and peace of mind, which I’m seeing right now," Kerr told Burke. "It’s been a brutally difficult two years for Wiggs and his family, with his father passing away recently. It’s been trying for him. There's no question his dad’s health impacted his play and impacted his well-being. As sad as it is, I’m hopeful his father's death brings a little peace."

While Kerr hasn't put the actual numbers he wants from Wiggins this season, he expects the forward to be aggressive from beyond the arc.

"To me, I've already told him: six 3-pointers a game," Kerr said. "He is a really good 3-point shooter. It was down a little bit last year, but since he’s been here, 39, 40 percent. I want a lot of 3s and I want a lot of attacks to the rim. He shot 80-plus percent from the foul line in the second half of the year last year."

A new dynamic duo with Wiggins and Curry could lead the Warriors this season.