The Golden State Warriors’ starting small forward from Canada, Andrew Wiggins, may not be eligible to play in his home arena this upcoming season because he is unvaccinated.
San Francisco, the new home of the Warriors, is now requiring proof of vaccination for any large indoor events. The Warriors play their home games at the Chase Center, which is located in the heart of the northern California city. This poses quite the threat for unvaccinated NBA players — they simply will not be allowed to play.
Does this mean that Wiggins may not be able to compete in 41 home games?
As of now, that is what it looks like. Not only 41 games; postseason home games would be off-limits as well if the current measures are still in place come May. Earlier this month, the NBA sent out a memo outlining new COVID-19 regulations and although it revealed strict new policies, they are not requiring players to be vaccinated. There is little that the NBA can do, however, when it comes to changing local legislation, so It may get complicated for unvaccinated players.
Wiggins is eligible to be traded by the Warriors, which could be the only reasonable play since these regulations are unlikely to change. Another possible option could be a religious exemption. On March 22, Wiggins publicly revealed his position regarding the vaccination. “To each his own, really. whoever wants to get it, can get it; whoever doesn’t want to get it, don’t get it,” he said. “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.”
Wiggins joined the Warriors during the 2019-2020 season. The 26-year-old started 71 games and averaged 18.6 points in the 2020-2021 campaign.
