Golden State Warriors: A story of unyielding selflessness

Andrew Wiggins’ preseason vaccine dramas

Some may forget there were serious question marks on Andrew Wiggins’ playing status prior to the season, with the former number one pick unwilling to get vaccinated.

The potential unavailability was a major concern for a team already without Klay Thompson and James Wiseman heading into the season. The city of San Francisco restrictions at the time would have prevented Wiggins from playing home games, leaving another major hole in the Warriors starting lineup.

But at the last possible moment, Wiggins forgoed his personal beliefs and got vaccinated. He explained that “the only options were to get vaccinated or not play in the NBA”  and that “it was a tough decision” he hoped worked out in the long run.

That decision can’t be understated as we reflect on the season that was. You can have your own opinion on his vaccination beliefs, but the decision to overcome it was undoubtedly a selfless move that helped Golden State to a championship.

Wiggins got vaccinated, and the Warriors subsequently started the season 18-2. He became a first-time All-Star and then played a key role as Golden State’s second-best player during the Finals.

On the other end of the roster, Gary Payton II was the last player signed heading into the season. As such, and with his grueling in-and-out NBA career to that point, he could have easily been forgiven for wanting to look after himself.

That wasn’t the case, and as Payton learned, taking the selfless team role was ultimately the best move for his stature in the league. He joined Draymond Green on his podcast in the immediate aftermath of game six, providing some incredibly candid comments on his own journey.

"“Having my back, giving me this opportunity and believing in me. That alone means the world. That’s why I went to bat for you this whole year. I ain’t do this for me, I do this for y’all, and yalls legacy is bigger than my career”."

The Warriors’ overarching selflessness has characterized their four championships – you can’t have a modern-day dynasty without it. But this team, filled with homegrown talent and various experience levels, came together in a way few teams have in NBA history.

Will that selflessness extend to the off-season, with free agents like Payton, Kevon Looney, and Otto Porter Jr. sure to attract more money than what the Warriors may be able to pay?

Fans will be buoyed by the fact this version, perhaps the favorite of all in the last eight seasons, should largely be back heading into the 2022-23 season.