Report: Andrew Wiggins remains unvaccinated, jeopardizing availability for Warriors

Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins remains unvaccinated, putting into question his availability for the start of the season, according to ESPN's Nick Friedell.

As of Aug. 20, San Francisco has required proof of vaccination for large indoor events. The Warriors and the San Francisco Department of Public Health declined to comment on Wiggins' situation.

"We are actively addressing the matter of requests for religious exemption from vaccinations across many industries and will work with our business and entertainment community on next steps," the Department of Public Health said in the statement to the San Francisco Chronicle, per ESPN. "We will provide further clarification on this topic."

Wiggins said earlier this year that the only way he would get the COVID-19 vaccine is if he were forced to do so. 

"To each his own, really. Whoever wants to get it, can get it; whoever doesn't want to get it, don't get it," Wiggins said in 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."

The NBA is not requiring players to be vaccinated this season because it is a "non-starter" in negotiations with the Players' Association. However, approximately 85% of players are vaccinated. 

The league could potentially implement stricter protocols for unvaccinated players, including requirements that they eat, fly and ride buses in different sections than vaccinated teammates and have socially distanced lockers. 

Wiggins is entering his second full season with the Warriors after being traded by the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2019-20 campaign. The 26-year-old played a large role in Golden State's offense last season, averaging 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game while shooting 47.7% from the field and 38% from deep.

If Wiggins is unable to start the season due to his vaccination status, they could be in trouble, even with Klay Thompson returning from injury.