Warriors optimistic that frequently injured Kristaps Porzingis is prepared to compete
PHOENIX — The Golden State Warriors are anticipating the arrival of their latest acquisition, veteran center Kristaps Porzingis, who is expected to meet the team in Los Angeles on Friday evening ahead of their game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed doubt regarding Porzingis receiving medical clearance to participate in the Lakers matchup, but he is hopeful that Porzingis will soon return to the court and assume an important role in the rotation.
“I don’t believe we would have made the trade if we didn’t have confidence in his ability to be healthy and reliable in terms of being in the lineup,” Kerr stated. “That’s the objective.”
Porzingis has played only 17 games this season, grappling with the ongoing effects of a challenging illness (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and, more recently, left Achilles tendinitis.
However, Kerr noted that Rick Celebrini, the Warriors’ head medical decision-maker, and his team conducted their “due diligence” on Porzingis beforehand and approved the trade with assurance, expecting Porzingis to return shortly.
“When he’s at his best, he’s an exceptional player,” Kerr remarked. “You’re looking at someone who truly aligns with our needs — size, spacing, shooting, rim protection. Every team requires that, but we’ve consistently needed it since we’ve been here. We’ve never had a player quite like him.”
The Warriors spent the time leading up to the trade deadline pursuing Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, but had to shift their focus when the Bucks indicated their offer was insufficient to acquire him.
This led them to target Porzingis, a player they have admired since his time in Boston and had on their radar since early January due to his $30.7 million expiring contract.
Porzingis was initially involved in negotiations between the Atlanta Hawks and Dallas Mavericks in a deal that would have sent Anthony Davis to the Hawks, according to league sources. There was a three-team proposal that included the Warriors, which would have sent Jonathan Kuminga to Dallas and redirected Porzingis to the Warriors, but it fell through following Davis’ hand injury.
In the hours leading up to the deadline, the Warriors and Hawks finalized a two-team agreement, sending Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for Porzingis. No draft picks were exchanged.
Porzingis joins a Warriors team with a record of 27-24, currently positioned eighth in the Western Conference and still recovering from Jimmy Butler’s recent ACL injury.
“We still have a strong team,” Kerr stated. “A very strong team. Even without Jimmy, we can pursue a playoff run. The ceiling is definitely lower. I’m not going to pretend otherwise.”
