Kristaps Porzingis Out Indefinitely With Health Issue

The team didn’t offer any details about Porzingis’ condition, but general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. indicated that it may not be a long-term concern, Slater adds (Twitter link).

“I’m not marking him down as being out to start the season or anything like that,” Dunleavy said. “He’s just not available this week.”

Porzingis won’t accompany the team on its flight to Hawaii for camp, adds Evan Webeck of The New York Post.

Injuries and health concerns have surrounded Porzingis for most of his NBA career. He has dealt with a condition known as Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or POTS for the past season and a half.

Porzingis was only available for 15 games after being traded from Atlanta to Golden State in February. He was effective when he was on the court, averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 23.7 minutes per night, but his availability is a constant concern.

He signed a two-year, $40MM extension this summer, so the Warriors seem to have confidence in his ability to overcome his health problems. Porzingis just turned 31 in August and can still provide mismatches on offense while protecting the rim on defense.

Golden State is hoping to lean on him early in the season while Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody recover from injuries. Slater points out that an extended Porzingis absence would be unwelcome news regarding the team’s depth concerns.