Kristaps Porzingis’ Absence Raises More Concerns After Al Horford and Steve Kerr Speak Out

Kristaps Porzingis has been a wild card for the Golden State Warriors as of late. As the team was preparing for training camp, Porzingis suddenly couldn't participate due to an undisclosed health issue. This has raised a lot of eyebrows amongst fans and analysts, mainly due to the mystery behind the non-injury issue.

Apparently, the Warriors themselves are also unaware of what's happening to their big man. In recent interviews with Warriors forward Al Horford and head coach Steve Kerr, neither has a clue about what's really going on with Porzingis.

"We just don’t have much information. So I think for us it’s just hoping he gets right, gets better," Horford told Warriors beat reporter Luca Evans.

"He's not here (at the Warriors' practice on Thursday)," Kerr told Evans. "I'll reach out to KP and check in with him. But nothing new to report... Yeah, we've texted. He seems to be doing okay, but we haven't gotten into depth (with his health issues)."

It's undoubtedly bizarre how KP is leaving his team in the dark regarding his situation. Porzingis is currently under a two-year contract worth $40 million. The least he could do is keep his team in the loop.

Fortunately for him, coach Kerr isn't taking it to heart and is remaining optimistic about the situation. Kerr also mentioned that he and the team will do everything they can to support their sidelined players.

"Circumstances change every year," Kerr also told Evans. "You get thrown a lot of curveballs in this business. It's always the same mentality. It's next man up, prepare for what's in front of you, and support everybody who is not here, whether it's Jimmy or KP or Moses. We're always going to give our players our support and help them be the best versions of themselves."

As of this writing, there isn't a clear timeline as to when Porzingis will make his return. It's worth noting, however, that sources suggest that KP will still play in the 2026-27 season. It's a matter of when.

NBA Insider Reveals Potential Timeline For Kristaps Porzingis

Kristaps Porzingis is among the three core Golden State Warriors players who are currently sidelined. The other two are Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody. Butler is currently recovering from a torn right ACL, while Moody is recovering from a ruptured left patellar tendon.

Despite the severity of their injuries, Butler and Moody already have a timeline for their returns. Moody is expected to make a comeback first, with a target date of sometime in December. As for Butler, reports suggest he could return in either January or February.

But what about Porzingis? Unfortunately, due to the mystery behind his illness, it's difficult to tell when exactly he could return. However, NBA insider Brett Siegel is certain about what KP could miss in the 2026-27 season.

"The biggest one that nobody has answers on is Kristaps Porzingis," Siegel said on his podcast. "It's not necessarily an injury for the Warriors, but his illness and health issues are continuing to pop up."

"The Warriors aren't saying anything about Kristaps Porzingis," Siegel continued. "I've been told that Golden State is bracing for Porzingis to miss the start of the season... Missing Kristaps Porzingis is very significant."

With all that in mind, it'll be interesting to see what adjustments the Warriors make to solidify their paint without their biggest man on the roster.