Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to return to the Golden State Warriors practice facility Tuesday afternoon, according to coach Steve Kerr. Porzingis has been away from the team for the first two weeks of preseason while attending to what the Warriors describe as a private "health issue."
It is not immediately clear when the Warriors expect Porzingis to return to the court. The team will be in Las Vegas for a preseason game Tuesday, when Porzingis is expected to arrive at the team's San Francisco facility and meet with Rick Celebrini, its lead medical decision-maker. Two seasons ago, Porzingis contracted an upper respiratory virus while playing for the Boston Celtics, and he has since vaguely revealed its lingering impact on his health and his ability to play consistently.
Porzingis was limited to 34 games last season, split between the Atlanta Hawks and the Warriors, who traded Jonathan Kuminga for him in February. The Warriors then re-signed him to a two-year, $40 million deal this summer. The contract was structured to let the Warriors trade Porzingis at any point and limit their long-term downside. Only $3 million of the $20 million due next season is guaranteed.
Porzingis has been in regular contact with Celebrini and the front office during his indefinite absence, while the front office has told Kerr and the team to focus on the season rather than on his unclear availability. In his absence, Kerr is leaning toward starting a smaller lineup of Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green.
Source: ESPN NBA · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing