Kristaps Porzingis remains without a timetable after meeting with Warriors decision-makers in San Francisco, leaving Golden State’s opening-night plans at center increasingly unsettled.
The 7-foot-2 Latvian visited Chase Center on Tuesday to speak with general manager Mike Dunleavy and Dr. Rick Celebrini, the club’s vice president of player health and performance. Porzingis has not participated in training camp or appeared in a preseason game, and the Warriors continue to list him as out indefinitely.
Golden State said Porzingis will begin spending time around the team in a limited capacity, though there is still no target date for a return to practice or game action. The organization said further information on his practice availability, playing status and timeline will come when it is appropriate.
Porzingis says his condition is improving
Porzingis addressed his absence publicly Wednesday, saying he is consulting doctors and specialists while trying to get fully healthy.
“I’m improving little by little,” Porzingis wrote. “The main thing is being patient, and I expect to feel right again soon.”
He described the situation as difficult because the health issue has been hard to identify, especially after a career already marked by injuries. “It has been frustrating,” he said, while thanking supporters and adding that he believes the setback can be overcome.
Dunleavy had offered few specifics during media day last month. At that point, the general manager would not characterize the problem as a long-term concern and did not eliminate the possibility of Porzingis being available for Golden State’s Oct. 21 season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. With the center still sidelined and no practice date announced, that availability is now in serious question.
Another interrupted season for Golden State’s big man
Porzingis did not make the trip to Hawaii for the Warriors’ training camp. He had also missed time in March because of illness and a medical matter that coach Steve Kerr had called difficult to explain.
The 31-year-old signed a two-year, $40 million agreement with Golden State in late June after arriving from Atlanta at last season’s trade deadline. The deal that brought him to the Warriors sent Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga to the Hawks.
Porzingis appeared in only 32 games last season between Atlanta and Golden State, producing 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game. After the deadline move, he played 15 games for the Warriors and started 11 of them.
His continued absence removes a major frontcourt option from the early rotation and leaves Golden State waiting for medical clarity rather than a ramp-up schedule. For now, the only firm update is that Porzingis is back in the building, but not yet back on the floor.
