Golden State just dropped a bombshell on their fans: Kristaps Porzingis is out indefinitely. After being a complete no-show in the preseason due to a health issue, his status for the Dubs’ season-opening matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers is now officially in jeopardy. This is a massive blow for a team that retained their key contributors, including Porzingis, and was hoping to right some wrongs from last season and emerge as a dark-horse contender.
The Unicorn’s Rocky Return
Porzingis hasn’t touched the court. He missed training camp entirely and sat out the team’s first five preseason games, with just one remaining. The franchise confirmed his indefinite absence, stating he “will remain out indefinitely due to the same health-related matter but will be around the team.” They held a private meeting with General Manager Mike Dunleavy and Vice President of Player Health & Performance Dr. Rick Celebrini, but the details are, well, private.
The Warriors traded for the 7-foot-2 center midway through last year and then signed him to a two-year, $40 million deal in the offseason, banking on him to be their do-it-all big man. Now, less than a week before opening night, he’s sidelined without a clear timeline. Talk about a gut punch.
History Repeating?
Let’s be real, this isn’t exactly new territory for Porzingis. The 31-year-old missed a staggering 50 games last year between the Atlanta Hawks and the Warriors due to “various setbacks.” Golden State specifically “banked on getting a more durable Porzingis” when they acquired him from the Hawks in February. So far, that gamble is “backfiring in the worst way imaginable.”
Even with Al Horford back in the fold, which probably keeps their frontcourt from total disaster, Porzingis’s inability to stay healthy for an extended period has to be taking a serious toll on the franchise. You trade for a guy, sign him to a hefty deal, and he can’t even get on the floor for preseason. What does that say for the season ahead?
So, as the Dubs prep for their season opener against the Lakers, they’re still hoping to right some wrongs from a season ago and maybe make some noise. But with their $40 million center sidelined indefinitely, their path just got a whole lot tougher. When we get that update on his status, practice, or timeline, you know we’ll be all over it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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