Former New York Knicks star Kristaps Porzingis has addressed the speculation surrounding his mysterious health problems, insisting that he’s making progress while pushing back against online rumors about his condition.
The Golden State Warriors center broke his silence in a social media post on Wednesday, explaining that he’s working closely with medical professionals to determine how he can return to full health.
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“I’m working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap,” Porzingis wrote.
"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,” he added.
He also responded directly to online speculation, dismissing rumours about HIV and AIDS and urging people to stop attempting to diagnose him without medical information.
"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," said Porzingis.
The comments came after Porzingis missed training camp and Golden State’s preseason activities, leaving fans concerned about his availability ahead of the new NBA campaign.
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The Warriors confirmed that Porzingis remains sidelined indefinitely because of a private health-related issue. He reportedly informed general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. before training camp that he wouldn’t be able to join the team as scheduled.
While his teammates travelled to Hawaii and continued their preseason preparations, the 7-foot-2 center remained away from the court.
He subsequently returned to Golden State’s San Francisco facility, where he met with Dunleavy and the franchise’s lead medical decision-maker, Rick Celebrini.
The organization has declined to reveal further details, stressing that updates about his potential return to practice and playing status will be provided when appropriate. For now, Porzingis remains uncleared to practice.
Porzingis was expected to provide valuable perimeter shooting, interior defence and another scoring option alongside the veteran superstar.
The former Knicks standout joined Golden State last season following a trade from the Atlanta Hawks.
Across appearances with Atlanta and the Warriors, he averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game in 32 appearances, demonstrating the impact he can make when available.
Golden State subsequently signed him to a two-year, $40 million contract, signalling its confidence in his potential contribution despite his injury history.
However, with no confirmed timetable for his return, head coach Steve Kerr must consider alternative lineups.
Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg could receive additional opportunities alongside Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos and Draymond Green as the Warriors prepare for their October 21 season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Porzingis hasn’t revealed the precise nature of his current condition, and the team hasn’t announced a specific diagnosis. His recovery could prove crucial to Golden States’ hopes of remaining competitive in an increasingly challenging Western Conference.