Andrew Wiggins gets warm reception in San Francisco return
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SAN FRANCISCO — Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins was greeted with cheers and hugs Monday night as he stepped onto the Chase Center floor for the first time since leaving the Golden State Warriors nearly a year ago.
Wiggins arrived ahead of the Heat’s matchup with the Warriors and paused near the Golden State bench to embrace former teammate Stephen Curry during pregame routines. The two chatted briefly before resuming warmups.
“He’s the best,” Curry said while heading back to his shooting drills.
Golden State traded Wiggins to Miami last season in a deal that brought Jimmy Butler to the Warriors. In five and a half seasons with the franchise, Wiggins helped the Warriors capture the 2022 NBA championship.
“Wiggs is such a great human being and beloved in our locker room,” Warriors coach Steve Kerr said. “He helped us turn things around after that two-year stretch when we missed the playoffs. It’s tough when you build those relationships and then suddenly you’re on different teams.”
Jimmy Butler, who sat out Miami’s 136-116 victory over Charlotte on Saturday for personal reasons, also returned to the Heat lineup to face his former club.
In his first full season with Miami, Wiggins is averaging 15.8 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.9 assists. Heat coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged the significance of Monday’s game for the 28-year-old forward.
“We know this is important to him; he had great moments here, especially during that championship run,” Spoelstra said. “We’re grateful to have him. With everything he’s doing on both ends, you could argue this is the best basketball of his career because of all the responsibilities he has for us.”
Source: ESPN
