The center's absence raises concerns for Golden State as they begin training camp in Hawaii
Category: Sports
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porziņģis will miss the start of training camp due to an undisclosed health issue, the team announced on September 28, 2026. General manager Mike Dunleavy confirmed that Porziņģis will not travel with the team to Hawaii, meaning he will miss at least the first four practices and the preseason opener against the LA Clippers on October 1.
This development is particularly concerning for the Warriors, who are already facing challenges with their roster depth. With starting wings Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody sidelined for several months due to knee injuries, the Warriors need Porziņģis to be healthy to maintain their competitive edge in the upcoming season.
Porziņģis, who signed a two-year, $40 million contract this summer, has a history of illness and injury issues. He missed more games than he played after being acquired from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline in February, appearing in only 15 games with the Warriors. During that stretch, he averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks.
“I’m not marking him down as being out to start the season or anything like that,” Dunleavy said. “He’s just not available this week.” The general manager expressed disappointment about Porziņģis’ absence but emphasized that it is still early in the training camp process and that they do not want to overreact.
Porziņģis’ health issues have been a recurring theme over the past two seasons. He has missed a combined 90 games primarily due to a mysterious health problem that emerged after a prolonged upper respiratory illness during his time with the Boston Celtics in February 2025. This illness was later linked to a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which affects blood flow and can lead to symptoms like lightheadedness and fatigue.
After being traded to the Warriors, Porziņģis missed 10 of his first 11 games but managed to play in 16 of the final 21 games of the season. His performance during this period was seen as a reason for the Warriors to re-sign him, hoping to solidify their frontcourt options. The Warriors acquired Porziņģis in a deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta, a move that raised eyebrows at the time due to his injury history.
Currently, the Warriors' roster is under strain. With Porziņģis out, the team’s frontcourt depth is being tested. Draymond Green and Al Horford, both of whom are nearing the end of their careers and have dealt with their share of injuries, are expected to shoulder a heavier load. The addition of rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, may provide some relief, but the pressure on him as a newcomer is considerable.
The Warriors are facing a precarious situation as they prepare for the regular season. Porziņģis’ absence could force the team to rely on a combination of Horford, Green, and Lendeborg to fill the center position. If Porziņģis’ health does not improve, the Warriors will have to look to other rotation players like Charles Bassey and Malevy Leons, who are less experienced and may not provide the same level of performance.
Coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the challenges ahead, noting that even if Porziņģis returns before the season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21, managing the minutes of older players will be a priority. “This is all part of the season, the health of the team, and these things happen,” Kerr said. “So you just roll with it and keep moving forward.”
As the Warriors navigate these early challenges, the focus will be on maintaining team morale and preparing for the upcoming season. The team’s management is hopeful that Porziņģis’ health issue is not a long-term concern, but the uncertainty surrounding his condition adds a layer of complexity to their preparations.
With the season fast approaching, the Warriors will need to address their depth issues and find ways to compensate for Porziņģis’ absence. The hope is that he will return to the court soon, allowing the Warriors to regain their full strength as they aim for a successful campaign.