Lost in the Golden State Warriors' rough start to the 2026-27 season is the odd situation developing surrounding star Kristaps Porzingis. If you haven't been keeping up with the story, Porzingis is currently out with POTS and doesn't have a clear timetable for his return.
Porzingis is no stranger to injury, so him being out for an extended period of time isn't unusual. What is unusual is that his absence is unexcused, according to ESPN's Anthony Slater, with him avoiding workouts and checking in with the Warriors organization?
Having him essentially go MIA is a surprising development and calls into question his future with the Warriors. Golden State could desperately use more size, and he is the tallest player on the team, but he is also the most fragile.
The Warriors must figure out a path forward with Kristaps Porzingis
They need him back and need him healthy, but if he is seemingly ducking the Warriors, then it's hard to say if or when he will ever shoot up again for Golden State.
Golden State signed a two-year extension over the summer, and right now that's looking like a bad deal. Granted, he can opt out after this season, but the Warriors having no idea what's going on with his injury doesn't bode well for his potential future with the team.
Golden State has held up decently well, with rookie Yaxel Lendeborg putting up strong numbers. However, if they actually want to make the playoffs this season, they actually need their highest-paid players to play.
The Warriors are desperately short on talent without Porzingis
They are already without Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody, and now Porzingis is a big question mark. Being without three starters is a tough situation to be in, and the Warriors must figure out a way to solve the Porzingis situation before it gets any worse.
Porzingis has already spoken out about his injury and mentioned that he is close to returning but was also vague. For all we know, he is weeks away from playing for Golden State.
The Warriors not knowing when he will play is a problem and a symptom of a larger issue. With no clear timeline for him to play, Golden State must solve the Porzingis connundrum before it becomes a larger problem.
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