"I feel for him" - Canada coach reacts to Golden State "blocking" Andrew Wiggins from playing at Olympics

A Golden State Warriors insider reported that the team "blocked" Andrew Wiggins from playing at the 2024 Olympics . Whatever the case, the team's head coach, Jordi Fernandez, is disappointed that the 29-year-old won't be with his compatriots as they hunt for a gold medal.

"I feel for him because I know he wanted to be here," Fernandez said . "… It's a position where it's not in our hands. We don't like it, we respect. And we just gotta move on."

Not available to play

On Friday, Canada's general manager Rowan Barrett announced that Wiggins wouldn't attend the team's Olympic training camp, noting that the Warriors organization reached out and prevented the forward from participating.

Even though Golden State drew a lot of flak for its decision, a report from The Athletic indicated that Wiggins being inactive for the Olympics was a mutual agreement between the two sides. Although Andrew played 71 games, he nursed an ankle injury late in the 2023-24 season, which is why the Dubs might be hesitant to let him play.

Wiggins last suited for Team Canada three years ago during the 2020 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. He wasn't a part of the country's roster in their historic bronze medal finish in last year's FIBA Basketball World Cup, which secured them a ticket to the Olympic Basketball stage for the first time since the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney.

No Wiggins, no problem

The Warriors' decision might have to do with the league's looming free agency, during which they may use the one-time All-Star as a trade piece. That said, Steve Kerr and Stephen Curry are set to represent Team USA in the tournament, and none of them were met with any restrictions by their organization.

Wiggins' addition to the Canadian squad, which already features Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jamal Murray, Dillon Brooks, and RJ Barrett, would increase the team's chances of winning the gold. But even without the Warriors' forward, they are still talented enough to make some noise in the tournament.

Related: Steve Kerr shares an important role Steph Curry will have for Team USA: "I know he will make my job is easier"