Can a professional athlete leave the team due to family matters? For ordinary people, this seems like an issue without suspense - of course they can. However, when it comes to NBA players, the situation becomes much more complicated. Recently, Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors temporarily left the team due to personal affairs, drawing wide attention from the public.
Fans are concerned about the reasons for his departure, the team needs to adjust its tactics, and the media has not been short of speculations. Some say it's because of the arrival of a newborn, while others recall his father's hospitalization in the past. The exact reason for Wiggins' departure is not important; what's significant is that this incident once again highlights the conflict between a player's "humanity" and their profession under the spotlight.
Upon the announcement of Wiggins' departure, many fans worried: What will the Warriors do? As a key member of the team, Wiggins' performance over the past few years has been evident to all. Especially during the championship-winning season in 2022, he was not just Curry's "assistant," but also an indispensable defensive core and "key player" in that finals. When Curry needed a breather, Wiggins could take over the offensive flag; when the opposing star players were arrogant, he was the most reliable defensive barrier.
Now, his sudden departure undoubtedly poses a challenge to the team. The Warriors' tactical system requires everyone to play their part effectively, especially versatile players like Wiggins. His absence in several games might well cause the team's record to become precarious. However, at this time, there were no negative voices within the Warriors. Head coach Steve Kerr candidly stated that he is unsure when Wiggins will return, but he fully supports his decision.
This reflects a signal - within the Warriors, family is more important than basketball.
Looking back on Wiggins' career, you'll find that he has always been a low-key and pragmatic player. He has a low media profile and few scandals; most of the time, he just focuses on his own work. And his family values have been vividly demonstrated over the past few years. As early as 2023, Wiggins' father was hospitalized due to illness, and he missed a large number of games. At that time, many people questioned his professional attitude, believing that a professional player should not leave mid-season.
However, these doubts were ultimately shattered by reality. After returning to the team, Wiggins' performance was very eye-catching, especially in crucial playoff games, where he repeatedly responded to those who distrusted him with stable scoring and defense. This makes us re-examine the logic behind his choice: although professional basketball players prioritize the game, they also have parents, children, partners, and need to balance family and work, just like you and me.
And the reason for this departure, despite the lack of explicit disclosure from the official side, but all signs indicate that it is likely related to welcoming a new baby. If true, this is undoubtedly something worth celebrating. A man willing to put aside his career for his family reveals a sense of responsibility and a focus on kinship.
In fact, players like Wiggins leaving the team due to personal affairs are not uncommon in the NBA. For example, Kevin Love once took a brief leave due to mental health issues; Derrick Rose missed games due to family matters, which even sparked controversy at the time; and Kawhi Leonard rested due to "load management," which drew a lot of criticism, but in fact, it was to protect his body.
These "human moments" tell us: professional athletes are not just machines. They are ordinary people who also need to stop and deal with life issues at times. In the past, people were not tolerant of such choices by athletes, mostly questioning: With your tens of millions of dollars in salary, shouldn't you prioritize the team? But in recent years, this trend is slowly changing. Athletes are starting to speak out more boldly for their choices, and fans are becoming more understanding and tolerant.
Of course, Wiggins' departure remains a challenge for the Warriors. Within the team, he is an important link on both offense and defense, and his absence means the team needs to readjust its tactical lineup. This poses a dilemma for head coach Kerr: Who can fill this void? Is it young player Jordan Poole, or veteran Klay Thompson? Or does Curry have to take on more responsibility?
From the depth of the Warriors' roster, they may be able to find some alternative solutions in the short term, but in the long run, none of these solutions are as good as Wiggins' return. The longer a player is away, the greater the impact on the team's chemistry. Nevertheless, the team still chose to support him. This support also reflects a new trend in professional sports: victory is important, but respecting each player's "humanity" is equally important.
What's most touching is the reaction of the fans. Instead of cold mockery, more fans chose to support Wiggins' decision. Some said, "Wiggins isn't the type to slack off; since he made this decision, it must be because of something important." Others expressed, "As a father, I completely understand him. How could you not take care of family matters?"
This tolerance and understanding would have been unimaginable a few years ago. But now, fans seem to be more accepting of occasional "leaves" by players. This change is both a cultural advancement and an elevation of the sporting spirit.
Although Wiggins has left temporarily, his future is still promising. After all, he has proven his abilities with his past performances. Whether it's stable output on the offensive end or the iron-willed spirit on the defensive end, Wiggins is the one who can step up in critical moments. And this departure may become an important experience in his life, making him more mature and steady.
Basketball is important, but life is far more important than basketball. Wiggins has left the court, but he will welcome another "life season." As for how he performs upon his return, we might as well wait and see.