The Golden State Warriors insist their recent acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis was never meant to be a short-term gamble, even though the 30-year-old center has been unavailable for six consecutive games.
General manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. told ESPN the organization still views Porzingis as an integral piece moving forward. “We see him as more than a rental,” Dunleavy said. “We feel he can help our team this year and moving forward.”
Porzingis has been coping with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a condition known to cause dizziness, elevated heart rate and persistent fatigue. Symptoms appeared shortly after his Warriors debut on Feb. 19. Three days later, he reportedly awoke ill at a San Francisco hotel and was unable to join the team for a home game against the Denver Nuggets. He has made few public appearances since.
Golden State obtained Porzingis at the trade deadline in a deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks. According to team officials, the medical staff was satisfied with Porzingis’s health outlook before the trade was finalized.
The Warriors are also navigating other key absences. Stephen Curry remains sidelined with a knee injury, and league sources note Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL earlier this year.
Source: Hoops Wire
