The Golden State Warriors’ starting small forward from Canada, Andrew Wiggins, may not be eligible to play in his home arena this upcoming season because he is unvaccinated.

San Francisco, the new home of the Warriors, is now requiring proof of vaccination for any large indoor events. The Warriors play their home games at the Chase Center, which is located in the heart of the northern California city. This poses quite the threat for unvaccinated NBA players — they simply will not be allowed to play. 

Does this mean that Wiggins may not be able to compete in 41 home games?

As of now, that is what it looks like. Not only 41 games; postseason home games would be off-limits as well if the current measures are still in place come May. Earlier this month, the NBA sent out a memo outlining new COVID-19 regulations and although it revealed strict new policies, they are not requiring players to be vaccinated. There is little that the NBA can do, however, when it comes to changing local legislation, so It may get complicated for unvaccinated players. 

Wiggins is eligible to be traded by the Warriors, which could be the only reasonable play since these regulations are unlikely to change. Another possible option could be a religious exemption. On March 22, Wiggins publicly revealed his position regarding the vaccination. “To each his own, really. whoever wants to get it, can get it; whoever doesn’t want to get it, don’t get it,” he said. “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.”

Wiggins joined the Warriors during the 2019-2020 season. The 26-year-old started 71 games and averaged 18.6 points in the 2020-2021 campaign.

Only a handful of Golden State Warriors players hung around in the locker room before their home game on Christmas.

Warriors vs. Cavaliers game score

Kevin Durant and Draymond Green proved too much for LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers as they raced to a 99-92 victory at Oracle Arena on Monday.

Durant had a team-high 25 points and game-high five blocks along with seven rebounds. Green recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. He is only the sixth player in NBA history to have a triple-double on Christmas.

Klay Thompson added 24 points.

“It was a good game,” James said. “Both teams had a hard-fought game. They had a lot of transition points. They kicked our butts in transition. That was basically the tell-tail sign for us in the loss.”

The intensity level of the matchup felt like that of an NBA Final, and tempers were flaring. Green and Durant both drew first-quarter technical fouls. Durant picked up his for arguing with an official because he believed he was tackled by JR Smith while shooting a transition three-pointer.

Moments later, Jose Calderon fouled Durant, who confronted the Cavs’ Spanish point guard. No fists were thrown, however, as officials quickly broke up the altercation.

Stephen Curry remained out for the Warriors with a right-ankle sprain, which has sidelined him for a few games.

Defensively, the Warriors held Cleveland to 32 percent shooting and posted eight blocks, while the Cavs had none. James registered 20 points on 7-of-18 shooting to go with six boards and six assists.

Kevin Love led all scorers with 31 points.

The two teams will face off again on Jan. 15 for the final time during the regular season.

The Cavaliers (24-10, 3rd in Eastern Conference) next visit Sacramento on Wednesday, when the Warriors (27-7, 1st in West) host the Utah Jazz.

OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 04: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors claps his hands during their preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers at ORACLE Arena on October 4, 2016 in Oakland, California.