Kristaps Porzingis Gives Health Update in Video After Making Warriors Return vs. Thunder
Kristaps Porziņģis provided a Saturday night update on the health issues that have limited him to just two games since his Feb. 5 trade to the Golden State Warriors.
Porziņģis spoke to reporters after playing 23 minutes in the Warriors' 104-87 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, which marked his first game action since Feb. 9.
"Today was okay. I still a little heavy. Shots a little bit not in a good rhythm yet, missing some free throws, and all that," Porziņģis said. "But we're going to build from this game, and I think I'll be looking better and better with each game."
Porziņģis has been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that can result in chronic exhaustion.
He previously told The Athletic's Fred Katz the condition impacted his breathing, his ability to run and his energy levels.
Porziņģis has accordingly struggled with availability over his last few seasons, playing 42 games of his 2024-25 campaign for the Boston Celtics and appearing in 17 with the Atlanta Hawks prior to his midseason trade.
He made his Warriors debut on Feb. 19 before he was sidelined again by his health issues.
"Getting traded somewhere else, I wanted to get out there as soon as possible. Sitting out a couple games, it was stinging me a little bit," Porziņģis said.
In his return to the Warriors' lineup Saturday night, Porziņģis contributed nine points on 3-for-10 shooting from the field while going 0-for-3 from deep and 3-for-6 from the foul line.
He also added five rebounds, five assists, a block and committed a turnover in the Warriors' loss.
Porziņģis said he had hope he would be able to be more available for the Warriors going forward.
"I believe I will be healthy now... obviously, I've been in and out, and out again," Porziņģis said. "But this time, I really feel that this is it. Finally getting out there, healthy."
Porziņģis continued, "I look forward to getting into top shape and looking really good."
The Warriors, who fell to 32-31 with Saturday night's loss, could use a boost down the stretch. The team has dropped six of their last nine games while sliding to No. 8 in the West.
Both Porziņģis and his team will hope his health continues improving as the Warriors prepare for their next matchup Monday night on the road against the Utah Jazz.
