Kristaps Porzingis is expected to return to the Golden State Warriors’ practice facility on Tuesday after spending the first two weeks of preseason away from the team due to an undisclosed health issue.
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed the veteran center is scheduled to arrive at the team’s San Francisco facility, although there is still no timetable for his return to basketball activities, according to ESPN.
Porzingis has been dealing with what the organization has described as a private “health issue,” keeping him away from the team throughout training camp and preseason preparations.
The 31-year-old is expected to meet with Warriors lead medical decision-maker Rick Celebrini upon his arrival, while the rest of the team travels to Las Vegas for Tuesday’s preseason matchup.
Despite his absence, Porzingis has reportedly maintained regular communication with Celebrini and Golden State’s front office over the past two weeks.
His latest setback raises further questions about his availability after ongoing health complications have disrupted his career in recent seasons.
During his time with the Boston Celtics two seasons ago, Porzingis contracted an upper respiratory virus that has reportedly continued to affect his health and ability to consistently compete at the NBA level.
Those concerns carried into last season, when the former All-Star appeared in just 34 games across stints with the Atlanta Hawks and Warriors.
Golden State acquired Porzingis from Atlanta in February in a deal involving Jonathan Kuminga before signing the veteran to a two-year, $40 million contract during the offseason.
The agreement was structured to provide the Warriors with flexibility, with only $3 million of his $20 million salary for next season guaranteed.
With Porzingis’ availability still uncertain, Kerr is preparing to move forward with a smaller starting lineup featuring Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green.
The Warriors’ front office has reportedly encouraged Kerr and his players to concentrate on preparing for the regular season rather than the uncertainty surrounding Porzingis.
Tuesday’s return to the facility represents a step toward rejoining the organization, but Golden State will have to wait for further medical evaluations before determining when its veteran big man can return to the court.
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