Warriors still lack a return date for Porzingis

Golden State is approaching opening night with its center’s playing status unresolved. Kristaps Porzingis will remain out indefinitely because of a health-related matter, the Warriors said Wednesday, even as he returns to the facility and spends time around the team.

The team’s statement says Porzingis met with general manager Mike Dunleavy and vice president of player health and performance Dr. Rick Celebrini. The contents of that meeting will remain private.

Porzingis missed training camp and the team’s first five preseason games. The announcement separates his presence around the team from a potential resumption of practice, which the Warriors say they will address when an update is available and appropriate.

Anthony Slater reported for ESPN at 5:46 PM Eastern Wednesday that Porzingis has not been cleared to practice. Golden State is finishing its preseason preparations before next Wednesday’s regular-season opener against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

In his own Wednesday post, Porzingis said he was working with doctors and experts and felt he was improving.

Slater also reported that coach Steve Kerr is leaning toward a smaller starting group of Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green in Porzingis’ absence. That remains Kerr’s stated direction rather than a confirmed opening-night lineup.

Sources

• Warriors statement
• Anthony Slater’s ESPN report
• Porzingis’ personal update

Sources

ESPN: Porzingis remains out indefinitely