Steve Kerr Drops Update on Kristaps Porzingis as Warriors Star Returns to Chase Center After Mysterious Absence

Kristaps Porzingis has yet to explain the illness that has kept him away from the Golden State Warriors, leaving the team with more questions than answers ahead of the 2026-27 season. The 7-foot-2 center was excused from all physical activities shortly before training camp began, and to make matters worse, to this day, Porzingis has yet to disclose the type of illness he has.

That makes Steve Kerr’s latest comments worth noting. The Warriors head coach revealed that general manager Mike Dunleavy and Rick Celebrini, the team’s vice president of player health and performance, recently met with Porzingis. However, Kerr has yet to hear what came out of that meeting, so there is still no clear indication of when the big man might return.

"I've not talked to Mike (Dunleavy). I know that he met with (Kristaps Porzingis on Tuesday)," Kerr told, as reported by Warriors beat reporter Luca Evans. "He met with Mike and Rick, but I don't know the results yet."

The meeting offers a fresh development after days without much information, but it does not necessarily mean Porzingis is close to returning. The Warriors have not publicly identified his illness or provided a timeline for his recovery.

While the latest news from Kerr doesn't sound too reassuring, it's definitely a more positive note compared to his previous insights. Before the news of Porzingis meeting up with Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy, Kerr noted that the big man was nowhere to be found.

The fact that Porzingis is now meeting with the Warriors organization indicates that some sort of escalation has likely happened throughout the process of his undisclosed illness.

For now, the meeting with Dunleavy and Celebrini is the latest piece of information available, not confirmation that the situation has improved. Until the Warriors share more about Porzingis’ condition, questions about his readiness for the new season will remain.

While Porzingis’ status remains uncertain, the Warriors have another big man who could help address their need for size. 

Steve Kerr Sees a Starting Role for Warriors Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg

Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has made a strong impression on the coaching staff, and Kerr’s latest comments suggest he could have an important role from the start of the season.

Golden State selected Lendeborg with the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft. His performances during the Summer League strengthened the case for giving him meaningful minutes, and Kerr indicated that the rookie could be in the starting lineup when the Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21.

"It's looking that way for sure," Kerr told Warriors reporter Joseph Dycus.

Kerr also explained why Lendeborg caught the team's attention. His combination of size and skill stood out during the Summer League, addressing an area where Golden State needed help.

"Well, watching the Summer League, meeting him, just seeing how big he was, his skill combined with the size, we knew that he was absolutely the perfect fit for our team," Kerr said. "We desperately needed size in the front court, on the wing, and he provided that."

Lendeborg is officially listed as 6'9", which is a big deal for the small-ball Warriors, especially with Kristaps Porzingis potentially set to miss a huge chunk of the upcoming season. 

Lendeborg's Summer League success has also raised expectations heading into his first NBA season. Golden State will want to see how his game translates against experienced opponents if he is asked to take on a starting role early.