Steve Kerr has reiterated his support for Andrew Wiggins despite his slow start to the season. The Golden State Warriors wing, a core member of the franchises’ 2022 NBA championship, has struggled on the offensive end. Wiggins has found himself on the bench down the stretch of games due to his limited impact.
When speaking to the media following the Warriors’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday, Kerr noted how Wiggins has developed a track record of success with the Warriors. As such, he isn’t worrying about his performance level quite yet.
“It’s been a little bit of a slow start,” Kerr told the media. “But his defense is the key … and the better he is defensively the more his offense will come. Not worried about Wiggs at all. It’s a slow start; he’s got a long track record.”
This isn’t the first time Kerr has addressed Wiggins’ struggles. He was asked about the veteran wing’s start to the season following the Nov. 1 victory over the Sacramento Kings.
“Wiggs is an important player for us, and he’s not at his best, but I’m not worried about Wiggs,” Kerr said. “He helped us win a championship two years ago. He’s been here for five years. We know what he can do, and he’ll get through.”
Asked Steve Kerr about Andrew Wiggins’ struggles offensively:
“It’s been a little bit of a slow start. But his defense is the key…and the better he is defensively the more his offense will come. Not worried about Wiggs at all. It's a slow start, he's got a long track record.
— Shayna Rubin (@ShaynaRubin) November 6, 2023
Golden State has played seven games. Wiggins has plenty of time to break out of his slump and become a genuine difference-maker. Slow starts in the NBA aren’t uncommon.
Every season, some players take 15 to 20 games before they’re fully up to game speed. If he’s still struggling as Golden State approaches the midpoint of the season, then it may be time to worry.
Until then, it makes sense for Kerr to remain patient. As he said, Wiggins has a track record that should earn him some goodwill in a difficult moment.
