The unintended consequences of getting vaccinated for Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins says he would not have gotten the jab if he had his way, but he is reaping the unintended benefits of getting vaccinated.
Wiggins’ vaccination stand
Andrew Wiggins started the season with uncertainty. He was not yet vaccinated, and the Golden State Warriors worried Wiggins’ hesitancy might affect their campaign. After some convincing, Andrew decided to get vaccinated, and it all worked out in the end. The former Minnesota Timberwolves forward is arguably having the best season of his career. Plus, he was voted as an All-Star starter. However, if he had his way, Andrew claims he would not have taken the jab.
“I still wish I hadn’t gotten it. Bigger picture, it all worked out for the best. I’m here on the most exciting team in the league. I’m an All-Star. So I feel like I made the right choice at the end of the day.”
Andrew Wiggins, Mercury News
Recommended Articles
The Warriors are among the top of the West Conference with a 42-17 record, only behind the conference-leading Phoenix Suns. Wiggins is averaging 17.7 points and 4.2 rebounds this year, and it’s safe to say that he helped hold the fort while awaiting Klay Thompson’s return. If he had refused to get the vaccine, Andrew would have been penalized or fined or missed some games due to city mandates.
Contrasting fate with Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving remains unvaccinated and suffers the consequences. He can't play in home games, and the Brooklyn Nets are in danger of not making the playoffs. Had Irving opted to get vaccinated, he would have in all likelihood been an All-Star starter, and the Nets probably would've had a better record than 31-28. Not to mention that according to all reports, the Nets would've still had a bearded guard on the team as well.
Wiggins still obviously holds reservations towards the vaccine but recognized all the benefits that came from getting it. Meanwhile, it looks like Irving is not going to change his mind anytime soon, which means he’s prepared for other consequences related to it.
When it comes to basketball, the only thing Nets fans and everyone that loves to see some of the best handles in NBA history can do is hope NYC Mayor Eric Adams changes the rules and Kyrie gets to play -- same as all the unvaccinated players that come to visit Barkleys do.