The Golden State Warriors are looking forward to the potential debut of their new center, Kristaps Porzingis, who is expected to join the team in Los Angeles ahead of their game against the Lakers on Saturday night. While head coach Steve Kerr remains cautious about Porzingis receiving medical clearance in time for the matchup, he is optimistic about the player’s upcoming contributions to the team.
Kerr stated, “I don’t think we would’ve made the trade if we didn’t think he could be healthy and consistent in terms of being in the lineup. That’s the plan.” Porzingis has faced challenges this season, participating in only 17 games due to ongoing issues related to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and recent left Achilles tendinitis. However, Kerr is confident in the team’s medical staff’s assessment, adding that they conducted thorough due diligence on Porzingis prior to the trade.
When healthy, Kerr highlighted Porzingis’ unique skill set, emphasizing that he brings dimensions to the game that the Warriors have long sought—size, shooting, and rim protection. “When he’s right, he’s a helluva player,” he noted.
Star guard Stephen Curry expressed enthusiasm about teaming up with a healthy Porzingis, recalling the previous championship experience he shared with Al Horford in Boston. Curry commented, “I’m just hoping that he’s healthy, first and foremost so that he can do what he can do on the floor.”
The trade for Porzingis came after the Warriors initially targeted Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. When those efforts fell through, the team redirected their focus to Porzingis, who they have admired since his time in Boston. The trade involved sending Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Porzingis, with no draft picks involved.
Currently sitting at 28-24 in the Western Conference, the Warriors are looking to rebound following the recent ACL tear of Jimmy Butler, which has implications for the competitiveness of their playoff run. Despite the setback, Kerr remains optimistic about his team’s potential, stating, “We still have a good team. A very good team. Even without Jimmy, we can make a playoff run.”
The acquisition of Porzingis adds a layer of hope as the Warriors work to solidify their position and become playoff contenders. Fans appear eager to see how Porzingis will fit into their strategy moving forward, promising an exciting chapter ahead for the team.