The Golden State Warriors managed to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga during the trade deadline. However, the one-time NBA champion has yet to suit up for them.
According to head coach Steve Kerr, the Golden State Warriors medical staff is preparing Porzingis for his return to action as soon as the NBA All-Star break, likely against his former team, the Boston Celtics.
“He (Porzingis) played three-on-three today… Our training staff feels pretty good about where he is, and the possibility that he’ll play next week,” Kerr said on the Willard & Dibs podcast. “He should be pretty much plug-and-play.”
Porzingis has missed 13 consecutive games before being traded to the Golden State Warriors, including 12 due to a left Achilles tendinitis. Kerr also emphasized that Porzingis’ workload will be carefully managed.
Golden State Warriors News: Kristaps Porzingis looks forward to fresh start
Kristaps Porzingis confirmed the Golden State Warriors’ plan to return following the All-Star break, and the Latvian center is more than excited to make his debut in front of the Chase Center crowd.
“It was a good workout. I’m building back up slowly because once I start playing, I want to hit the ground running… I will do everything right, and I believe I will,” Porzingis said during his introductory press conference. “I think it’s a great, great opportunity to turn a new page.”
“From what I’ve seen and the conversations I’ve had so far with the medical staff and the people here, I have to say I’m very optimistic. I’m in really good hands, some of the best, and I think that adds to the confidence I already have. I look forward to a strong post-All-Star break,” he added.
