Warriors' Porzingis Progresses in Recovery, Kerr Addresses Health Concerns

Kristaps Porzingis has been working out with the team as he recovers from an unspecified illness, raising hopes for his return.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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The Golden State Warriors are dealing with uncertainty surrounding Kristaps Porzingis' health after the team acquired him in a trade from the Atlanta Hawks. Coach Steve Kerr initially suggested Porzingis did not have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition he was diagnosed with during his time with the Boston Celtics, but later retracted those comments, emphasizing the need to defer to medical professionals. Despite the ambiguity, Kerr has now reported that Porzingis is showing signs of progress, working out with the team as they begin a three-game road trip.

Why it matters

Porzingis' health has been a significant concern for the Warriors since the trade, as the team is already dealing with injuries to key players like Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. His limited availability has exacerbated these issues, placing additional pressure on the Warriors to navigate a difficult stretch of the season. Kerr's initial comments and subsequent retraction also highlight the sensitivity surrounding player health and the importance of accurate information.

The details

The Warriors acquired Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in a trade involving Jonathan Kuminga. Porzingis has appeared in only one game for the Warriors so far, leaving the team to grapple with the impact of his absence. Coach Kerr recently walked back comments regarding Porzingis' medical history, initially suggesting the center did not have POTS, a condition he was diagnosed with during his time with the Boston Celtics. Kerr later apologized for speaking on a medical matter outside his expertise, emphasizing the need to defer to medical professionals.

  • On Thursday, March 6, 2026, the Warriors began a three-game road trip.
  • Before Thursday's game against the Houston Rockets, Kerr shared that Porzingis was 'upright and working out.'

The players

Kristaps Porzingis

A center acquired by the Golden State Warriors in a trade with the Atlanta Hawks, who has been sidelined due to an unspecified illness.

Steve Kerr

The head coach of the Golden State Warriors, who initially made comments about Porzingis' medical history that he later retracted.

Stephen Curry

A key player for the Golden State Warriors who is currently dealing with a knee injury.

Jimmy Butler

A player for the Golden State Warriors who suffered a season-ending ACL tear.

Jonathan Kuminga

A player who was traded from the Golden State Warriors to the Atlanta Hawks as part of the deal that brought Porzingis to the Warriors.

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What they’re saying

“No timeline but he is on the trip and he is going to get a workout today and we'll just seize it day by day from there.”

— Steve Kerr, Head Coach (ESPN)

What’s next

The Warriors will continue to closely monitor Porzingis' progress as he works his way back to full health. His ability to stay on the court and contribute alongside Curry and other key players will be crucial to the team's success this season.

The takeaway

The Warriors' gamble on acquiring Porzingis has been complicated by his ongoing health issues, which have exacerbated the team's challenges with injuries to other key players. The situation highlights the sensitivity surrounding player health and the importance of accurate information, as well as the team's need to navigate a difficult stretch of the season while hoping for Porzingis' full recovery and contribution.