Kristaps Porzingis is stepping away from basketball while he continues to deal with health problems.
The Golden State Warriors center announced Friday that he had hoped to play this season, but his body didn’t respond as he increased his training. He said he feels well, though he doesn’t believe he’s ready to perform at the level he expects of himself.
“I’ve made the decision to prioritize my health and step away from the game I love,” Porzingis said. He added that he wants to work with the Warriors on a sensible path forward and thanked his family and supporters.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, citing league sources, that the Warriors have stopped making the twice-monthly payments tied to Porzingis’ $20 million salary. Porzingis is not actively challenging the decision, the report said, and the NBA Players Association does not plan to contest it.
Porzingis has yet to play for Golden State this season. He left the team the day before training camp began, reportedly because of recurring symptoms associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, which can cause dizziness and fatigue.
On Oct. 14, Porzingis addressed speculation about his health and online rumors claiming he had HIV or AIDS. He said he was working with doctors and other experts, and that he was gradually getting better. He also said he would need to remain patient as he recovered.
The Warriors signed Porzingis to a two-year, $40 million extension this offseason, despite his playing just 74 games across the previous two seasons while dealing with health issues. He has earned more than $253 million in the NBA since making his debut with the New York Knicks in 2015.
