Porzingis Out Indefinitely Due To Health Issues

Porzingis has missed training camp and the team’s first five preseason games due to a health-related matter. He returned to the Warriors’ practice facility on Tuesday and met with Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy and VP of Player Health & Performance, Dr. Rick Celebrini. The club didn’t disclose the specifics of that meeting.

Porzingis will remain around the team and an update on his status, including the potential resumption of practice, playing status or timeline, will be provided when available and appropriate, the team adds.

Porzingis issued a statement on social media moments after the Warriors’ release, stating “Hello people, I’m working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap. Honestly, I’m getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I’ll be feeling great again soon. 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.”

Porzingis signed a two-year extension in late June. He’ll make $20MM this season and holds a $20MM option for 2027/28, though only $3MM is guaranteed. Golden State will have a window to waive him by July 7, 2027 next offseason.

Porzingis has battled a series of injuries and illnesses during his career. He was still highly effective last season when he played — the Warriors were 6.4 points per 100 possessions better when he was on the court, and that number was even higher (7.8 points per 100 possessions) during his time with Atlanta.

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 just 24.0 minutes per contest. Golden State acquired Porzingis in February in the trade that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta.

Without him available for the start of the season, the team will have to rely on Draymond Green as an undersized center backed by 40-year-old Al Horford unless the front office chooses to make a roster move.