Canada's Wiggins rejoins Warriors after missing more than a month due to family matter

Andrew Wiggins took an extended leave of absence from the Warriors when his family needed him, and now the Golden State forward feels like he can get back to playing basketball for the defending NBA champions.

The Thornhill, Ont., native has rejoined the team and is working his way back to being able to play again. That won't be in the next few days, coach Steve Kerr said Tuesday.

"When you're in a certain situation and your family needs you, it requires your attention and your love, that's my first priority," Wiggins said. "My career, everything, family's always first for me. It will always be that way. I felt like I was in a safe space to come back. We've got everything settled, not fully settled, but in a safe place where I can come back."

Wiggins said he appreciated the Warriors' support in allowing him to be there for his family during a crucial time. Wiggins expressed gratitude to everyone that respected his privacy and said he is comfortable resuming basketball.

He was able to get regular workouts done, shooting and lifting weights but said he will need to regain some conditioning. The medical staff will be involved in deciding when Wiggins has built up the stamina and endurance to get back into game action.

Wiggins was set to miss his 23rd straight game Tuesday night against Oklahoma City and hasn't played since Feb. 13 versus Washington, but said he expects to play again soon. There have been no details provided on what Wiggins was dealing with, nor had there been a timetable for his return other than Kerr saying last week he remained hopeful of Wiggins being back before the end of the season.

Warriors general manager Bob Myers and Kerr — and Wiggins offered his thanks, too — credited everyone involved who