"Family’s always first for me"- $109 million Warriors star Andrew Wiggins addresses media for the first time since returning after 22 games

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins has returned to the Warriors after missing 22 straight games due to personal reasons. There has been speculation that Wiggins may not return this season. However, he is now expected to be back in Golden State’s lineup at some point this week, once he gets his conditioning right.

Andrew Wiggins last played on Feb. 13th, against Washington. He may need some time to ramp up before his return. The two-way forward has already been ruled out for Tuesday’s matchup against OKC.

The Warriors (41-38, sixth in the West) have gone 12-10 in the 22 games that Wiggins has missed due to personal reasons.

Speaking to the media for the first time since his leave of absence, Wiggins explained that his family is his biggest priority:

“When you’re in a certain situation and your family needs you and requires your attention and your love, that’s my first priority,” Wiggins said.

Wiggins continued:

“Family’s always first for me, and it will always be that way. I felt like I was in a safe space to come back. We got everything settled, not fully settled, but in a safe place where I can come back."

When asked about how his conditioning is after missing so much time, Wiggins explained that he has been working out to stay in shape:

“Not terrible. I’ve been working out, but obviously the NBA, it’s a different type of conditioning you need. But I don’t think it will be too long before I’m out there,” Wiggins said.

Wiggins is averaging 17.1 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.2 steals, 0.8 blocks and 2.4 3-pointers per game on 47.3% shooting through 37 games.

What was the cause of Andrew Wiggins’ personal leave?

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins

As for the cause of his extended personal leave, Andrew Wiggins declined to go into the specifics as it is a private matter:

"I'd rather just keep that private — for me and my family, and the people close to the family that need to know,” Wiggins said.

However, The Athletic’s Shams Charania already reported earlier this week that Wiggins’ leave had to do with a medical situation involving his father:

“The reason for Wiggins' leave of absence since mid-February is that his father, Mitchell Wiggins, has been dealing with a serious medical situation, sources close to the situation say,” Charania reported.

Either way, NBA fans are happy that the situation has been resolved enough that Wiggins will be able to return to action.