Kristaps Porzingis will remain out indefinitely with a private health-related issue, the Golden State Warriors announced on Wednesday, but the veteran centre will stay around the team.
“I’m working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health [as soon as possible],” Porzingis said on social media. “Honestly, I’m getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I’ll be feeling great again soon.”
Porzingis called general manager Mike Dunleavy on the eve of training camp and told the organisation that he would not report. He skipped the team’s trip to Hawaii and missed the first five preseason games.
While his coaches and teammates were in Las Vegas for a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, Porzingis returned to the Warriors’ downtown San Francisco facility and met with Dunleavy and lead medical decision-maker Rick Celebrini.
Team Statement and Timeline
In a statement, the Warriors said they would keep the details of that meeting private. Porzingis is expected to be at the facility and around the team as Golden State wraps up the preseason and prepares for its regular-season opener on October 21 in Los Angeles against the Lakers.
“It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can’t exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career,” Porzingis wrote in an X post. “So it has added up for sure, but we will get through it.”
Porzingis is not yet cleared to practise. The team said it would update his “potential resumption of practice, playing status and timeline” whenever that information is available and appropriate.
Health Background and Contract
Two seasons ago, Porzingis contracted an upper respiratory virus while playing for the Boston Celtics. He has since vaguely revealed the lingering impact it has had on his health and his ability to play NBA basketball consistently.
Porzingis was limited to 34 games last season, split between the Atlanta Hawks and the Warriors, who traded Jonathan Kuminga for him in February. Golden State then re-signed Porzingis to a two-year, $40 million deal this summer.
The contract was structured to allow the Warriors to trade him at any point and limit their long-term downside. Only $3 million of the $20 million owed next season is guaranteed.
Lineup Without Porzingis
In Porzingis’ absence, head coach Steve Kerr said he is leaning towards starting a smaller lineup of Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green.