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Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins regrets getting COVID-19 vaccine during 2021-2022 season despite winning later NBA Championship And an All-Star nomination, he said.
Wiggins expressed the regret during an interview with sports website FanSide this week.
“I still want Not found [vaccinated], To be honest with you,” the 27-year-old All-Star told FanSide’s Mark Carman. “But you have to do what you have to do.”
Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy during their 2022 Victory Parade rally at the Chase Center on June 20, 2022 in San Francisco, California.
(Josh Leung/NBAE via Getty Images)
Wiggins admitted that the season was the best of his 8-year career and that he was only able to play under NBA guidelines and health safety regulations because he was vaccinated.
“I did it, and I was an All-Star and champion this year, so that was the good part, just not to miss that year, which was the best year of my career,” he said during the interview.
But he expressed a warning about being “forced” by the NBA to get the vaccine.
NBA Finals: Golden State Warriors Andrew Wiggins in action, defending vs. Boston Celtics at TD Garden.
(Greg Nelson/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Wiggins added: “But for my body, I just don’t like to put All that stuff in my body, So I didn’t like that and I didn’t like that it wasn’t my choice. I didn’t like either getting it or not playing it.”
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During the NBA season, Wiggins vehemently opposed the vaccine requirement and filed for a religious exemption. However, he was refused and eventually vaccinated for playing.
Stephen Curry #30 and Andrew Wiggins #22 of the Golden State Warriors hug after game six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.
(Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Following that decision, Wiggins led his team to a championship and was arguably Golden State’s second most valuable player during their championship run – only behind Final MVP Steph Curry – Averaged 18.3 points in the NBA Finals and 8.8 rebounds per game.
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During a separate interview with Fox News Digital, Wiggins said he loves the Golden State organization and is proud to play under coach Steve Kerr.
“Steve [Kerr] is a great coach. A player’s coach,” Wiggins said. “He’s going to put everyone in a position to do well. He gives confidence to all his players, and when you’re on the court, he lets you play your game. Whatever your game, he lets you play it.”
Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors poses for a portrait with the Larry O’Brien championship trophy after winning game six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts.
(Photo by Mark Blinch/NBAE via Getty Images)
“He keeps his team motivated. He keeps his team going, and he holds everyone accountable,” Wiggins said. “I love Golden State. I love the organization. They treat me and my family very well. I love it.”
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Andrew Wiggins of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics during game five of the 2022 NBA Finals at the Chase Center on June 13, 2022 in San Francisco, California.
(Photo by Jesse D. Garbrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
2022-2023 is the final year of Wiggins’ contract with the team, although he is eligible for an extension.
Fox News Joe Morgan contributed to this report.