SportsTrending
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis will remain out indefinitely due to an undisclosed health-related matter. The team confirmed he will stay around the organization while seeking medical advice.
The Golden State Warriors announced on Wednesday that center Kristaps Porzingis will remain out indefinitely due to a "health-related matter." The announcement comes one week before the team’s regular-season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to a team press release, Porzingis has missed training camp and the team’s first five preseason games. He returned to the Warriors’ practice facility on Tuesday to meet with General Manager Mike Dunleavy and Vice President of Player Health & Performance Dr. Rick Celebrini. The club did not disclose the specifics of that meeting.
The team stated that Porzingis "will be around the team" and that an update on his status, including the potential resumption of practice or playing timeline, "will be provided when available and appropriate."
Following the team's release, Porzingis issued a statement on social media. "Hello people, I’m working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap," Porzingis wrote. "Honestly, I’m getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I’ll be feeling great again soon."
He added, "It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can’t exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career, so it has added up for sure, but we will get through it. Health is wealth. Thank you for all the support."
In a subsequent reply, Porzingis addressed online speculation regarding his condition. "I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I’m in the best hands," he wrote. "So everyone can relax now… and I don’t have hiv or aids."
Porzingis signed a two-year extension in late June. He will make $20 million this season and holds a $20 million option for the 2027/28 season, though only $3 million of that option is guaranteed. Golden State has a window to waive him by July 7, 2027.
The Warriors acquired Porzingis in February in a trade that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks. In his 32 games with the Hawks and Warriors last season, Porzingis averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks on .446/.338/.842 shooting in 24.0 minutes per contest.
With Porzingis unavailable, the Warriors are expected to rely on Draymond Green as an undersized center, backed by 40-year-old Al Horford. Head coach Steve Kerr has indicated he is leaning toward having Horford come off the bench behind Green.
Porzingis has battled a series of injuries and illnesses during his career. Two seasons ago, while playing for the Boston Celtics, he contracted an upper respiratory illness that resulted in him missing a chunk of time. It was later revealed that he had been dealing with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) over the last two seasons, which resulted in him missing close to 55% of his team's total games during that span.
The Warriors have not stated whether Porzingis' latest health setback is related to his previous conditions. A source with knowledge of the situation told the San Francisco Chronicle that Porzingis has made a trip to Los Angeles to seek specialized medical advice.
The indefinite absence of Porzingis significantly impacts the Warriors' frontcourt depth and defensive strategy as they enter the 2026-27 season. The team is also without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, who are recovering from significant knee injuries, leaving over $89 million in salary on the sidelines with no clear timetable for return.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
The day's checked news, by email
One short email a day with the top stories. Free, and you can unsubscribe in one click.
Or follow for the latest news:
No comments yet. Start the discussion.
The Charlotte Hornets have agreed to a five-year, $209 million rookie contract extension with forward Brandon Miller, making him the second-highest paid player from the 2023 NBA Draft class.
SportsTrending
Aaron Boone will return as the New York Yankees manager for the 2027 season, entering the final year of his contract. The decision follows a 93-68 regular season and an ALDS sweep by the Tampa Bay Rays.