Warriors’ head coach Steve Kerr says Andrew Wiggins has taken COVID-19 shot after vaccine hesitancy

Golden State Warriors starting small forward forward Andrew Wiggins will now be available to play in the team’s home games after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

The news came from Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, who shared that the former No. 1 overall pick has received the vaccine, which ensures his availability for games played at San Francisco’s Chase Center, the Warriors’ home venue.

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Because of San Francisco’s COVID-19 vaccine regulations, the Canadian forward was in danger of missing each of the team’s 41 home games if he chose not to get vaccinated. At practice on Sunday, Kerr revealed that Wiggins will now be available for all 82 games after receiving the vaccine. Kerr also stated that Wiggins will play in Monday’s preseason opener in Portland against the Trail Blazers.

This comes as a major plus to the Warriors, who were dealing with the possibility of having to fill a spot in their starting five for all home games. Wiggins is coming off of a strong first full season in Golden State, averaging 18.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.0 blocks over 71 games, earning starts in each appearance.

He’ll resume a similar role this season for a Warriors team with championship aspirations upon the return of three-time NBA champion Klay Thompson, who is expected to make his way back on the floor some time around Christmas.