It’s unclear whether Andrew Wiggins will play in preseason

Despite participating in practice, Andrew Wiggins’ may still not play in the preseason.

The Golden State Warriors are hopeful that small forward Andrew Wiggins will bounce back from a pair of disappointing campaigns. However, the former first overall pick has once again been dealing with some physical ailments. Wiggins was out with an illness for the early part of training camp and has missed both of the team’s preseason games. However, he finally returned to practice earlier this week. Still, it remains uncertain whether he will play in a preseason game.

“We still have some time before the regular season starts, and I’m back at practice now and going through everything,” Wiggins said. “We have a great coaching staff. They’re great teachers and I’m just trying to learn and figure stuff out.

“I was watching a lot from the sidelines in Hawaii. It wasn’t like I was getting left behind or anything like that. Obviously it’s easier when you’re in the drills and in the mix doing it than watching from the sidelines, but I had a good view.”

Wiggins is coming off a down season, the least productive of his career. He appeared in 71 games (59 starts), but averaged just 13.2 points per game. Prior to last season, Wiggins’ had never averaged fewer than the 16.9 points per game he scored as a rookie with the Timberwolves back in 2014-15.

The small forward position might be the most pivotal position for the Warriors this season. Wiggins and young wing Jonathan Kuminga have similar skillsets and may be forced to compete with playing time depending on how head coach Steve Kerr handles the rotation. Moreover, the Dubs will need more scoring from the small forward position this season to help make up for Klay Thompson’s departure this offseason.