Dub Hub, Daily Warriors Links for 4/5/23: Andrew Wiggins appreciates the ‘love and support’ he received during his absence

Good Morning Dub Nation,

The Golden State Warriors won a big 136-125 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder last night, however, the most significant news of the day may have come before the game even started. Warriors’ forward Andrew Wiggins rejoined the team on Tuesday and spoke to the media alongside general manager Bob Myers prior to the night’s game.

Wiggins — who hasn’t played a game for the Warriors since Feb. 13 — rightfully chose to keep the reasons behind his absence private. Myers acknowledged the uniqueness of the situation and expressed gratitude for everyone’s understanding of Wiggins as he handled priorities that go beyond the basketball court.

As far as his return to play, Wiggins will still need time to get back into NBA game-ready physique. He said he tried to stay in shape through conditioning on the treadmill and weightlifting while he was away from the team, but it will ultimately be up to Golden State’s medical staff to make the final decision as to when Wiggins will return to game action.

On a positive note, Wiggins was able to watch Tuesday night’s game from the Warriors’ bench. His return was met with a thunderous standing ovation as the Chase Center crowd showed some love to someone who has clearly been through a lot these past couple of weeks.

With Wiggins’ imminent return, the Warriors are getting as close to full strength as they have been all season. With a final two-game road trip to close out the season, the Warriors can build some momentum at just the right time and once again be the championship level team that nobody wants to see heading into the postseason.

Here are the rest of today’s stories:

In case you missed it from Golden State of Mind:

• The Warriors’ micro lineup that could have macro ramifications in the Western Conference
• Warriors roll the Thunder in the second half for huge win
• Injury report: Andrew Wiggins still out
• The league targets the Warriors with new changes to the CBA
• Andrew Wiggins to return this week

Other Warriors News:

• Andrew Wiggins: ‘Don’t think it will be long’ before return (ESPN)
• Warriors observations: Dubs escape with pivotal win over Thunder (NBC Sports Bay Area)
• Ty Jerome knows what he proved with Dubs: ‘Zero hard feelings’ (NBC Sports Bay Area)
• How the Warriors’ Draymond Green became a motivated autism activist (The Athletic)
• When will Warriors’ Moses Moody move back from garbage time to prime time? (San Francisco Chronicle)

NBA News:

• LeBron James, Anthony Davis log heavy minutes in OT win; TBD vs. Clips (ESPN)
• Joel Embiid leads 76ers past C’s as Doc Rivers declares MVP race ‘over’ (ESPN)
• The Rooting Guide For Every Team Fighting For Playoff Position (UPROXX)
• 2023 NBA Mock Draft: Full 2-Round Predictions Post March Madness (Bleacher Report)
• Troy Weaver acknowledges ‘disappointment’ in letter to fans (SB Nation)