By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Golden State Warriors face deep uncertainty surrounding Kristaps Porzingis as the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season begins. The Latvian big missed training camp due to a private medical issue.
On Wednesday, the team announced he remains sidelined indefinitely after Porzingis visited the facility to consult with management and doctors. However, his timeline to play remains completely unknown.
On Thursday, head coach Steve Kerr noted he has messaged the 31-year-old forward-center but has not spoken with him in person yet. “He will be around, but we’re not going to make it a daily Kristaps discussion. When we have something to report, then we will do so,” stressed the 61-year-old tactician.
The secrecy triggered intense online speculation. Porzingis eventually used social media to dispel severe health rumors. He shared that he is working with experts and feels progress, but asked fans for patience.
Selected fourth overall by the New York Knicks in 2015, the Liepaja native won an NBA championship with the Boston Celtics in 2024. Though various setbacks have limited his career to 561 appearances, he joined the Warriors via trade last February. After playing 15 games last season, he signed a two-year contract extension over the summer.
His latest absence leaves a glaring hole in the Golden State lineup. His side finishes their NBA Preseason 2026 schedule on Friday against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center. Shifting focus to the regular-season opener, next Wednesday they travel to crypto.com Arena to play the Los Angeles Lakers and Slovenian superstar Luka Doncic.
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