Kristaps Porziņģis has decided to step away. The Latvian center announced Friday on social media that he is leaving basketball to prioritize his health, after months in which his body did not respond when he tried to prepare for the season. "I have made the decision to prioritize my health and step away from the game I love," wrote the Golden State Warriors player, who has not yet debuted this season.
A statement without the word retirement
Porziņģis explained that he was eager to play with this Warriors group, but that as the workload increased, he did not feel in condition to perform at the level required. He also said he is doing well and wants to find a solution that respects the organization. However, he does not speak of a definitive retirement or clarify whether the pause is temporary.
That nuance matters for his contract. Porziņģis signed a two-year, $40 million extension with Golden State in the summer, with only $3 million of the second year guaranteed.
On Wednesday, according to reports by Shams Charania and Anthony Slater on ESPN, the Warriors stopped paying him his $20 million salary this season, understanding that he is not fulfilling his contractual obligations by staying away from the team. The salary still counts against the salary cap, and the franchise prefers to seek a trade rather than release the contract.
Not a single game with the Warriors this season
The statement confirms what has been announced for weeks. Porziņģis was not at media day, training camp, or the preseason. The last time he was at the team's facilities was October 13, to meet with general manager Mike Dunleavy and the medical staff. Since then, the Warriors have listed him as indefinitely sidelined. His health has had issues since his time with the Celtics: he suffers from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), according to ESPN.
His last season was transitional. He started in Atlanta and in February arrived at Golden State in the trade of Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Hawks. Between the two teams, he played 32 games, averaging 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 blocks.
From Seville to Boston's Championship Ring
If this is his farewell, it closes a career that began in Spain. Porziņģis arrived at age 15 to Baloncesto Sevilla's youth system, earned a spot in the Liga Endesa, and in 2015 was EuroCup Rising Star before the Knicks selected him with the 4th pick in the draft. In New York he was an All-Star in 2018, and later played for the Mavericks, Wizards, Celtics, Hawks, and Warriors. His best moment came in Boston, where he won the 2024 championship.