The Golden State Warriors are already a relatively thin team, especially with Jimmy Butler set to start the season injured. The rest of the roster will have to stay as healthy as possible for the team to achieve the success it hopes for.
However, another injury concern has emerged. Center Kristaps Porzingis has been absent from training camp because of an undisclosed health issue.
“Additional note to this Warriors-Lakers injury report ahead of tonight's game: Kristaps Porzingis' health absence and timetable remains indefinite as the Warriors open their second week of preseason, I'm told," ESPN’s Anthony Slater wrote.
The situation has remained relatively quiet, as there have been few updates on Porzingis. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has addressed the situation, admitting that the lack of information about the center is concerning.
“Yeah, I mean, you know, we want him back. He's a really talented player, and so we thought he was in a pretty good place. So it's definitely concerning. And so, as I said, all we're going to do is support him, give him every bit of medical help he can get, and emotional support, and hope he is back soon." Kerr said.
On his recent podcast, Draymond Green offered some insight into the situation and shared his well wishes for Porzingis.
“He will probably come back and then it will be like, 'Oh, y'all know he came back' like we know he can. I think that happens at the same time. I don't think it's necessarily a timeline of return. So I think people will continue to ask this question for weeks on end and the answer is going to be the same and so I don't think it's the reason to keep asking the question, but needless to say, definitely sending well wishes to Porzingis and praying for him as he tries to recover from whatever it is that he's dealing with,” Green said.
Porzingis' absence is concerning for everyone involved, especially because the nature of his health issue remains unknown. However, the Warriors have made it clear that they intend to support him as he works through whatever he is dealing with.
There is still no clear timetable for Porzingis' return, but he has the support of his teammates and coaching staff. Green's comments also suggest that, rather than repeatedly asking when Porzingis will return, people should give him time to work through the situation.
