Kristaps Porzingis makes unexpected NBA decision as Warriors lose key center to undisclosed health concerns

Kristaps Porzingis has stepped away from basketball. The Golden State Warriors center announced the decision on X on Friday, saying his health comes first. The post did not name the issue or say whether a return is planned.The 7-foot-2 Latvian is 31 and has yet to play a game this season. Golden State announced in late September that the center would be out indefinitely and would skip training camp in Hawaii. The team is 6-3 on a six-game win streak, and Porzingis is in contact with its medical staff while both sides look for a solution.Why did Kristaps Porzingis step away from basketball?Kristaps Porzingis explained the decision in a short post on X dated Nov. 6. The 31-year-old had looked forward to playing with this group, but the trouble showed up during the ramp-up, when the body did not respond the way the center had anticipated. The Latvian called the move a choice to “prioritize my health and step away from the game I love.”The post says things are going well. The performance level Porzingis expects, though, is not there yet.The post names no details of the disease. The Latvian was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a neurological disease, in 2025, the same year Atlanta acquired the center in a trade, and the statement does not mention it. The message gives no timeline, and retirement is not mentioned either.The path to Friday started earlier. Just before preseason workouts began, the center informed the Warriors of a decision not to report.The message closed with thanks to family and close ones for always being there, and to followers for the support.What happens to the Warriors’ $40 million deal with Porzingis?Golden State re-signed the center in June to a two-year, $40 million deal after 15 games last season. Atlanta had traded Porzingis to the Warriors in February, so the pairing is less than a year old. Multiple reports say the team is not paying the center under that deal during the absence.The $40 million center wrote of full respect for the organization and a wish to find a workable solution with the team. The post does not spell out what that solution would be.Golden State is the sixth team in 11 seasons for the Latvian, picked fourth overall by the New York Knicks in 2015. Porzingis helped Boston win the 2024 NBA title before moving on to Atlanta. Across 10 seasons with New York, Dallas, Washington, Boston, Atlanta, and Golden State, Porzingis has averaged 19.5 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.8 blocks.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.