The Klay Thompson-less side has their first-ever setback! The Warriors began their preparation for the test of resilience in Hawaii today. It’s quite unusual for the Bay Area side to kick-start their season at a holiday location. The last time they visited Surf City was in 2007. Before we find out the reason behind the location, there’s a worrying sign.

Anthony Slater just posted, “Andrew Wiggins didn’t practice in the Warriors’ first workout today in Hawaii. Under the weather. Everyone else good to go.” The 2014 #1 pick has struggled to find his rhythm after the 2022 ring. He missed a major chunk of games, citing personal issues off the court. The 29-year-old also lost his father in the off-season due to a terminal illness.

Amid this series of stumbling blocks, Wiggs has yet another curve ball to deal with. As much as Slater’s update would bother the Dub Nation, Steve Kerr’s comforting statement about Wiggins, a few days ago, still keeps many calm.

Addressing the press at Media Day, the 9x NBA Champ, said, “He looks physically really fit… He sounds very motivated, he’s very much at peace.” Above all, Kerr added, “I think he’s primed to get back to where he was a couple of years ago… I’m expecting a big year from Wiggs.” On the other hand, it wasn’t just Kerr who delivered the reassuring statement. But also the hooper himself.

Andrew Wiggins revealed he had put in a lot of work in the off-season and expects to “be more efficient than last year.” He expressed his wish to make an All-Star appearance. So, once he recovers from his illness, the Dubs can surely expect a treat on the court.

Will Andrew Wiggins play in the Warriors pre-season opener?

Firstly, let’s get one thing out of the way. Why are the Warriors not having their training camp at the Chase Center? Since 2019, the Dubs traditionally begin their training camp right after Media Day on their home court. But this time, the team boarded a flight after the press interaction and flew to Hawaii. To give a straight answer, they are taking on the LA Clippers in the preseason opener.

Unlike the Warriors, the Clippers aren’t new to Hawaii. Since 2017, the LA side has visited the Aloha State five times, and this is the second straight year. The teams will lock horns in an evening game on October 5th at the SimpliFi Arena at Stan Sheriff Center.

One thing that is common between both teams is that they’ve lost a crucial piece of the side in the off-season, Paul George and Klay Thompson. So, it will be an exhibition to witness how both teams operate without them.

In the case of the Warriors, Wiggs has shown confidence to get back his 2022 self, when he averaged 17.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists while shooting 39.3% from deep. Most importantly, the hooper had played 73 games. And the Clippers will see more of James Harden in the coming season. Nevertheless, in responding to the question, there isn’t any clarity on the severity of Wiggs’ illness. Slater just mentioned it as “under the weather”, so if not for the pre-season opener, the star will look to return a week later.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.