In October 2025, Kristaps Porzingis tried to explain just how badly an illness had affected him during the Boston Celtics’ playoff run. The 7-foot-2 center, who had spent much of his career overpowering opponents on the court, offered a far different picture of what he had been going through. “At that time, I could just lay on the couch and be a house cat,” Porzingis told The Athletic’s Fred Katz after doctors diagnosed him with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS.

Nearly a year later, the Latvian is facing another stretch of uncertainty about his health, and this time he is beginning the season with the Golden State Warriors. He missed training camp and the team’s first five preseason games, leaving fans waiting for an explanation as the regular season approaches. His earlier diagnosis provides important context, but it does not explain what is keeping him out now.

On October 14, Porzingis offered reassurance on X, writing, “Honestly, I’m getting better and better. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I’ll be feeling great again soon.” Yet the Warriors said he would “remain out indefinitely due to the same health-related matter,” with an update on his practice or playing timeline to come “when available and appropriate.” The contrast is at the heart of the latest update: Porzingis says he is improving, but the team has not established when he can return.

Porzingis followed his recovery update with a direct response to the speculation surrounding his health. “I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I’m in the best hands,” he wrote on X. “So everyone can relax now 😄🙏🏼 and I don’t have hiv or aids.”

The rumors had surfaced before. In February 2026, Outsports’ Shawn Laib reported on false online claims linking Porzingis to HIV/AIDS amid his publicly discussed health struggles. Those allegations were not evidence of a diagnosis, and his current absence does not make them any more credible. Porzingis’ post matters because he chose to address the speculation directly, even as the Warriors continue to withhold details about the health issue keeping him out.

The Warriors’ October 14 statement confirmed that Porzingis had returned to the practice facility the previous day and met with general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. and vice president of player health and performance Dr. Rick Celebrini. The team also made clear that the details of the meeting would remain private. “Porzingis will remain out indefinitely due to the same health-related matter but will be around the team,” the statement read. The Warriors added that an update on his status, including the potential resumption of practice, playing status or timeline, would be provided “when available and appropriate.”

The timing matters for Golden State. Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million deal in June, giving the Warriors a significant commitment to a player whose availability has already been a concern. He appeared in 15 regular-season games for Golden State after arriving from Atlanta at the February trade deadline. Across both teams, he played 32 games in the 2025–26 regular season, averaging 16.7 points and 5.2 rebounds.

For Golden State, the issue is both basketball and availability. Porzingis gives the Warriors a center who can stretch the floor with his shooting while offering size around the rim. But his 15 appearances for the team last season left little room to build continuity around him. With no return date now available, Golden State cannot plan on having him in its rotation for the season opener or beyond. That is the immediate concern, regardless of what is causing his absence.

Porzingis’ health has been the subject of confusion before. In February 2026, shortly after Golden State acquired him, Kerr questioned reports of Porzingis’ POTS diagnosis, saying Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh had told him it was “misinformation.” The comments conflicted with Porzingis’ own account that doctors had diagnosed him with the condition. Kerr later acknowledged his mistake, saying, “It was a stupid mistake by me to talk about something I’m not qualified to talk about, so I regret it.” The episode is a reminder of how easily speculation can overtake confirmed information when a player’s health remains private. But it does not explain Porzingis’ current absence: the Warriors have not linked it to POTS or disclosed a diagnosis.

The next meaningful update is whether he can resume practice and when he might play again. Until then, Porzingis’ optimism offers some encouragement, but Golden State still has no timeline to build around.