Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr admitted he misspoke about Kristaps Porzingis’ medical condition during a radio appearance on Friday, calling his comments “a stupid mistake.”
Kerr told listeners Porzingis was dealing with a contagious illness that is causing significant fluid loss, stressing it is not postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). He said the information came from Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh, a former Warriors executive who moved Porzingis to Golden State at the trade deadline.
“I’m not qualified to talk about the diagnosis, and I regret trying,” Kerr said Saturday, adding that the forward’s condition is “way beyond my capabilities of explaining.” Porzingis missed his fourth consecutive contest Saturday but practiced Friday and, according to Kerr, is feeling better. Since the trade, the 7-foot-3 big man has appeared in just one game, logging 17 minutes.
Injury notes
Stephen Curry, sidelined for the 10th straight game with runner’s knee, told ABC’s Malika Andrews during Saturday’s broadcast that he is “stacking good days” but is “not quite ready” for a return. “Hopefully they can unleash me on the court soon,” the two-time MVP said.
The Warriors’ injury list grew when rookie guard Will Richard exited Saturday’s matchup with a sprained right ankle. The team announced the injury shortly after he left the floor.
Contract news
Second-year wing Gui Santos finalized a three-year extension on Saturday. Selected 55th overall in 2022, Santos credited patience and adaptability for his rise to the starting lineup. “They told me: play hard on defense, crash the boards and find Steph—it’s easy,” he said of the coaching staff’s guidance.
The Warriors continue their homestand Monday while monitoring the status of Porzingis, Curry and Richard.
Source: Hoops Rumors
