Whether you’re betting on a game or drafting for your fantasy team, it pays to know the latest when it comes to NBA players and Covid vaccines. The AllStar has compiled team by team updates to keep you in the loop.
Which NBA players are not vaccinated against Covid-19?
Update Oct. 4 – Andrew Wiggins has received his first vaccine shot making him eligible for Warriors home games.
A number of notable NBA players headline the list of unvaccinated players. Bradley Beal and Andrew Wiggins have dominated headlines recently with their stance on Covid vaccines. The NBA recently released restrictive protocols stating that, “Any player who elects not to comply with local vaccination mandates will not be paid for games that he misses”.
Kyrie Irving was forced to join the Brooklyn Nets’ media day via Zoom because of New York City’s Covid-19 protocols. The city requires New York-resident athletes that practice or play indoors to show proof of at least one vaccine shot. With the Nets playing 41 home games at the Barclays plus visits to Madison Square Garden, the decision to remain unvaccinated could cost Irving more than $17.5 million.
Andrew Wiggins also stands to lose millions if he doesn’t get vaccinated. The Golden State Warrior would be ineligible to play all home games but Wiggins has remained adamant that he won’t get vaccinated unless forced to. Wiggins attempted to cite a religious exemption for avoiding the vaccine but was rejected by the NBA.
Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal confirmed that he hasn’t been vaccinated. Whilst he clarified that he isn’t anti-vaccine, he is still considering whether or not to get the vaccine. Beal was forced to miss the Tokyo Olympics after contracting Covid and will need to wait another month before being eligible for his first shot.
NBA Team By Team Vaccine Latest
Atlanta Hawks: 100% vaccinated by opening night
Boston Celtics: Status unclear
Update October 9: Jaylen Brown has tested positive for Covid
Update October 12: Al Horford is the second Boston player to contract Covid.
Vaccinated players: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart, Enes Kanter, Grant Williams
Not vaccinated: Josh Richardson
Brooklyn Nets: Status unclear
A number of Nets including superstars Kevin Durant and James Harden are expected to be vaccinated after attending the Nets’ Media Day. Questions remain over Kyrie Irving who dialled into Media Day via Zoom.
Update October 8: Kyrie Irving can now attend practice but remains unable to play home games.
Update October 12: The Nets have ruled Kyrie Irving ineligible to play or practice with the team until he is fully vaccinated.
Charlotte Hornets: 100% vaccinated by opening night
Denver Nuggets: Status unclear
Michael Porter Jr remains the most notable unvaccinated player in Denver despite contracting Covid twice.
Update September 30: Michael Porter Jr remains uncomfortable about taking the vaccine.
Detroit Pistons: 100% vaccinated
Golden State Warriors: 100% vaccinated
Andrew Wiggins says he will stick to his beliefs and remain unvaccinated. His decision will prevent him from playing in Warriors home games. It appears that Wiggins is the only unvaccinated player on the roster.
Update October 3: Andrew Wiggins has received the Johnson & Johnson single-dose shot.
Houston Rockets: 100% vaccinated
Indiana Pacers: 95% vaccinated
Los Angeles Clippers: 100% vaccinated
Los Angeles Lakers: 100% vaccinated by opening night
Kent Bazemore appears to be the lone Laker yet to be fully vaccinated. Bazemore was initially sceptical but changed his mind after speaking with Lakers GM Rob Pelinka.
Memphis Grizzlies: Status unclear
Vaccinated players: Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr, Brandon Clarke, Kyle Anderson, Steven Adams, De’Anthony Melton, Desmond Bane
Miami Heat: Status unclear
Milwaukee Bucks: Status unclear
Minnesota Timberwolves: 100% vaccinated by opening night
New Orleans Pelicans: 100% vaccinated by opening night
New York Knicks: 100% vaccinated
Oklahoma City Thunder: 100% vaccinated
Orlando Magic: 95% vaccinated
Jonathan Isaac featured prominently in Rolling Stone for being the only unvaccinated player on the Magic roster. Having already contracted the virus, Isaac believes the risks of the vaccine outweigh the benefits, “I’ve had COVID in the past, and so our understanding of antibodies, of natural immunity has changed a great deal from the onset of the pandemic and is still evolving.“
Update October 4: Jonathan Isaacs hasn’t wavered in his stance against vaccines.
Philadelphia 76ers: Status unclear
Phoenix Suns: 100% vaccinated
All 15 players who attended the Suns Media Day confirmed to Duane Rankin that they’re fully vaccinated. Devin Booker who missed Media Day after testing positive for COVID is the only unknown case.
Update Oct 1: Devin Booker confirms he is fully vaccinated.
Portland Trail Blazers: 100% vaccinated
Team president Neil Olshey confirmed on Media Day that the entire team is vaccinated. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum have been vocal about getting vaccinated whilst Jusuf Nurkic attempted to buy vaccinations for all of Bosnia and Herzegovinia back in July.
Sacramento Kings: Status unclear
The Sacramento Kings require their full and part-time staff to be fully vaccinated. The mandate does not apply to players.
San Antonio Spurs: 100% vaccinated
Utah Jazz: 100% vaccinated
Toronto Raptors: 100% vaccinated by opening night
Washington Wizards: Status unclear
Wizards star Bradley Beal is one of the biggest names in the leagues to remain unvaccinated. Newly acquired forward Kyle Kuzma was roasted after refusing to disclose his status after incorrectly citing HIPAA.
