By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
After another challenging season marred by persistent setbacks, Kristaps Porzingis finds himself at a professional crossroads. Despite widespread speculation that the Latvian center is leaning toward a long-term future with the Golden State Warriors, he stopped short of making a formal commitment following Thursday’s loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Chase Center. As he approaches unrestricted free agency this summer, the final year of his two-year, $60 million extension is winding down, leaving his next chapter unwritten.
“It’s hard to say,” he told Nick Friedell of The Athletic when asked about his desire to remain in the Bay Area. “Of course, it would be nice for me to go ahead and say, ‘Yes, I want to continue here,’ and this and that. But the reality is I didn’t have a good year at all. I barely showed what I’m capable of. And so I have to see what’s out there.”
Since joining the Warriors in February, the 30-year-old former NBA champion with the Boston Celtics has appeared in only 12 games, hampered by health issues that have limited him to a career-low 23.6 minutes per contest. While his production remains efficient, Porzingis admits he is still searching for his peak form. “For me, I just wanted first to get to decent shape,” he explained. “Take care of that. Which I am kind of working my way into. And then seeing the whole picture, kind of taking a step back, not to put too much pressure on myself. It’s been a year like that, and we’ll see.”
Despite his cautious stance, Porzingis expressed genuine affection for the organization and its medical staff. He specifically highlighted the director of sports medicine and performance, Rick Celebrini, as a major factor in his upcoming decision. “I believe I’m in incredible hands here,” he noted.
“Honestly, the team is great here,” he added. “I haven’t gotten a chance to play with Steph yet, but the team is great, the city is great, the organization is fantastic.”
That opportunity to share the floor with Stephen Curry may come soon, as the 38-year-old guard is targeting a return from injury this Sunday when Steve Kerr’s side welcomes the Houston Rockets to Chase Center.
“The only thing is the time difference with Europe. It’s ten hours, it’s too much. But everything else, I enjoy it here,” the Liepaja native jokingly mentioned.