Approximately 85 percent of NBA players are vaccinated, but the Warriors’ Andrew Wiggins isn’t one of them, and that could cost Golden State dearly once the season starts.
ESPN sources confirmed Wiggins is standing by his earlier decision not to get the COVID-19 vaccine as reported in the San Francisco Chronicle, worrying Warriors’ officials that Wiggins could miss games.
The Chronicle’s Rusty Simmons reported that Wiggins might try to get a religious exemption, which only the San Francisco Department of Public Health could issue.
“We are actively addressing the matter of requests for a religious exemption from vaccinations across many industries and will work with our business and entertainment community on next steps,” the San Francisco Department of Public Health said in a statement to the newspaper. “We will provide further clarification on this topic.”
Starting August 20, the city of San Francisco began mandating proof of vaccine for attendees at all large indoor events, including Warriors games.
New York City has a similar mandate that impacts Knicks’ and Brooklyn Nets’ players.
Wiggins, 26, expressed his opinion on the vaccine last March.
“Right now, I’m not getting it, but it’s no knock on anyone else that’s getting it. I make my own decisions. But right now, I decided not to get it,” said Wiggins. “Yeah, I don’t really see myself getting it any time soon, unless I’m forced to somehow.”
The number one pick of the 2014 Draft, Wiggins averaged 18.6points on 47.7 percent shooting, 2.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds for the Warriors last season.
While the NBA has only issued a vaccine mandate for league personnel working within 15 feet of players, and all game officials, unvaccinated players will have to follow much stricter health and safety protocols during the season.
Players such as Wiggins would be separated from vaccinated players in the locker room, while eating, riding the bus, or flying.
They would also be required to undergo testing on game and practice days and could be tested twice on some game days.