Kristaps Porzingis wants to set the record straight. After the Golden State Warriors sent shockwaves through the NBA with a vague announcement that their big man would be sidelined indefinitely due to a "health-related matter," Porzingis took to social media to calm the storm himself.
The 7-foot-3 center, who has battled injuries throughout his career, posted on X for the first time in 13 months. His message was part update, part reassurance, and part exasperation with the internet's wild speculation. "Hello people, I'm working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap," Porzingis wrote. "Honestly, I'm getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I'll be feeling great again soon."
He acknowledged the frustration of dealing with a condition that isn't easily diagnosed. "It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can't exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career, so it has added up for sure, but we will get through it. Health is wealth. Thank you for all the support."
But it was his follow-up post that truly grabbed attention. "I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I'm in the best hands. So everyone can relax now and I don't have hiv or aids." The blunt denial underscored just how far the rumor mill had spun since the Warriors' initial statement.
Golden State's announcement on Wednesday revealed that Porzingis had missed training camp and the first five preseason games. He recently returned to the practice facility to meet with general manager Mike Dunleavy and Dr. Rick Celebrini, the team's vice president of player health and performance. The details of that meeting remain private, and the team said Porzingis will stay away from game action indefinitely while remaining around the team. An update will come "when available and appropriate."
For a player whose career has been a constant tug-of-war with his own body, this latest setback stings. Last season, Porzingis appeared in just 32 games — one of his most injury-plagued campaigns to date. He was dealt from the Atlanta Hawks to the Warriors midseason and suited up for only 15 games in the Bay Area, averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists.
The Warriors acquired him hoping he could provide a towering presence in the paint and stretch the floor, but his availability has been the eternal question mark. It's a familiar storyline for fans who have watched other athletes face similar scrutiny, much like the recent health scare for Todd Bowles that had an entire fanbase holding its breath.
Porzingis, though, seems determined to keep his spirits up. His tone was upbeat, even playful, as he thanked supporters and gently mocked the armchair physicians. "Health is wealth" he reminded everyone, a simple truth that resonates far beyond basketball.
For now, the Warriors will have to navigate the season without their towering center, and Porzingis will continue working behind the scenes to solve a puzzle that has no easy answers. The team has not provided a timeline, and Porzingis himself avoided specifics. But his message was clear: he's on the mend, he's in good hands, and the wild theories can stop.
As the NBA season approaches, Golden State fans will be watching closely for any sign of a return. For a player who has fought through so much, the hope is that this is just another hurdle — not a wall.
