Andrew Wiggins handled ‘responsibilities’ to Golden State Warriors by getting vaccinated: Steph Curry

PORTLAND — Stephen Curry, the Warriors star who’s been outspoken about public health during the COVID-19 pandemic, held his tongue while teammate Andrew Wiggins voiced his concern over the vaccine.

Wiggins stood to miss all 41 Warriors home games if he opted against getting vaccinated, but he put those concerns to rest this week as coach Steve Kerr said Sunday that Wiggins had gotten his shot.

Wiggins was in the starting lineup for the Warriors’ preseason opener Monday night, alongside Curry, who weighed in on the subject for the first time since the news of Wiggins’ vaccination. Wiggins declined to speak until after the game.

“Obviously I think it’s great he’s available,” Curry said after shootaround Monday. “Whatever process he went through to get to that decision, he’ll be able to speak on that. We’re excited to have him. It’s a good sign he’s handling his responsibilities as a part of the team. Whatever the process was is for him to explain.”

Curry grinned when he was asked what the move says about Wiggins as a teammate.

“I like the narrative, but I wouldn’t think badly of him had it not turned out that way,” Curry said. “I hate that part of the conversation. The fact is, we can have a conversation about it and be respectful … of how everyone was approaching this vaccination decision. Being a part of the collective for sure, it shows there’s a priority. But there’s no way I would let that affect how I see him as a human being, as far as before this pandemic started versus now. I’m glad he’s available and he’s able to be with us today.”

Last week, as questions surrounded Wiggins’ vaccination status and potential eligibility for Warriors home games hung over the opening of training camp, Curry said he hoped Wiggins got access to the “right information.”

Curry hosted an Instagram Live with Dr. Anthony Fauci during on onset of the pandemic to raise awareness and was quick to get his shot when the vaccine became available.

With Wiggins’ status no longer in question, the Warriors are fully vaccinated and won’t be impacted by the San Francisco mandate that requires all attendees age 12 and older provide proof of vaccination at large, indoor events.

Jordan Poole, who got the start at shooting guard opposite Curry in the backcourt Monday night, said he was looking forward to playing with Wiggins, who was penciled in at small forward.

“We’re back at full strength now,” Poole said. “The guy’s a natural 20-point scorer. Being able to get somebody who’s so versatile, so athletic and just kind of create plays for everybody while still being dynamic, it falls right into what we’re doing.”