NBA Basketball News: Golden State Warriors say Andrew Wiggins not playing in 2024 Paris Olympics was a ‘mutual decision.’ However, Team Canada disagrees.
Wiggins suffered a season-ending ankle injury, but Rowan Barrett, father of RJ Barrett and general manager of Team Canada, doesn’t believe the decision was mutual.
“From what I see, it’s not Andrew’s decision, it’s the team’s decision,” Barrett told reporters. “So he’s not going to be with us.”
Wiggins’ mother, Marita Payne-Wiggins, won a silver medal at the 1984 Olympics as part of the 4×100 and 4×400 relay teams. Although Wiggins has yet to fulfill the summer commitment Canada requires of Olympic hopefuls due to injury, the 2022 All-Star is expected to make the team. Barrett certainly expected it.
“We talked to him regularly, he trained for weeks to prepare for this,” Barrett said. “And then I got a call from Golden State a day or two before camp saying they had him.”
When asked by reporters if the Warriors had given a reason, Barrett said they would have to ask the team. In addition to a potential trade, Golden State could be hesitant because of Wiggins’ lengthy absences over the past two seasons. He has played just 37 games in 2022-23 and has been granted two separate extensions due to personal issues.
Regardless, no Wiggins has weakened a strong Canadian team that includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Dillon Brooks, young Barrett and two-time MVP Zach Edey. Wiggins may not play for Team Canada or Golden State if the Warriors’ trade plans come to fruition.
Article Keywords: Andrew Wiggins, Team Canada, Golden State Warriors
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