Why is Andrew Wiggins not playing against Pistons? Warriors star's absence explored (Jan.9)

Andrew Wiggins will be missing tonight's game against the Detroit Pistons. The absence of the one-time All-Star forward adds to the long list of players who are either ruled out or deemed questionable for the Golden State Warriors.

Anthony Slater of "The Athletic" shared on X the reason for Wiggins' absence:

"Andrew Wiggins has been ruled out tonight for the Warriors in Detroit. Personal reasons," wrote Slater.

Aside from Wiggins, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandon Podziemski, and Gary Payton II are also out for the Warriors. Meanwhile, Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Dennis Schröder, Moses Moody are all questionable.

Depending on how many players deemed questionable actually suit up to play against the Pacers, the term "depleted" may turn out to be an understatement. The timing is especially off, as the Warriors are looking to bounce back from two consecutive losses.

After making the All-Star team and helping lead the Warriors to the 2022 NBA title, Wiggins missed a huge chunk of the 2022-23 season due to personal reasons. In April 2023, Shams Charania reported that the Canadian star had been dealing with the illness of his father Mitchell, who played six seasons in the NBA.

Wiggins went on to play 71 games in Golden State's 2023-24 campaign, which ended at the hands of the Sacramento Kings in the play-in tournament. This season, the 6-foot-7 wingman is averaging 16.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.

Steve Kerr reflects on Andrew Wiggins' struggles over the past few

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr witnessed how Wiggins' struggles took a toll on the 29-year-old. In a piece published around Christmas time in "The Athletic," Kerr opened up on the changes that he saw in Wiggins' emotional state:

"It was brutal because it was an ongoing thing for such a long time where his dad was suffering," Kerr said. "To see someone you love, your father, suffering for such a long period of time — you can imagine how that would impact your daily existence."

Mitchell Wiggins passed away at the age of 64 last September. After going through a period of bereavement, Wiggins has been bouncing back and rediscovering his happiness.

As the 2024-25 season progresses, Andrew Wiggins will look to regain top form on and off the court — for his team, his family, and himself.