The Golden State Warriors’ splashy addition of Kristaps Porzingis was supposed to strengthen their frontcourt. Instead, it immediately raised a different question: when will he actually take the floor? The former All-Star hasn’t played since Jan. 7 due to illness, leaving his availability in doubt just as Golden State pushes through a crucial stretch of the season.

Now, head coach Steve Kerr has finally offered clarity on Porzingis’ status, outlining the team’s short-term plan and providing the first real indication of when the towering big man could make his Warriors debut.

According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors plan to hold Porzingis out through their next three games, continue his conditioning work in San Francisco during the All-Star break, and debut him immediately after. It’s the first concrete timeline for a trade that has divided analysts since it was announced.

Porzingis has been out for a month with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. It is a blood circulation disorder characterized by an increase in heart rate when the patient stands upright. He has been dealing with the illness since he was in Boston and has been going through conditioning to manage the issue.

The Warriors received Porzingis in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. However, there were questions about the Warriors’ front office’s decision. Porzingis had been dealing with issues for months and had been out for a long time. However, Kerr later clarified that if the Warriors didn’t think he could return this season, they wouldn’t have made the trade in the first place.

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The risk is clear, as the illness has already cost him 36 games this season. Yet, the Warriors are betting on the player who, even while hampered, was an impactful force, averaging 17.1 points and 1.3 blocks. Porzingis can clearly elevate the Warriors on both ends of the court. But before anyone can declare the Warriors winners of this trade, one massive question must be answered: can Porzingis stay healthy

Was the Porzingis Deal a Net Positive for Golden State?

The Warriors have not had a player like Porzingis in recent years. He stands out as one of the rare big men in the NBA, a profile that could help resolve several of the team’s longstanding issues. The Latvian forward is a unique blend of size and scoring versatility, capable of making shots from beyond the arc, midrange, and in transition, whether catching lobs for dunks or hitting spot-up threes. His ability to thrive in a pick-and-pop system makes him a valuable offensive weapon. Defensively, Porzingis enhances the team with his shot-blocking and rim protection.

While the Warriors appear to have gained significantly from the trade, especially given their limited use of Jonathan Kuminga, there remain critical questions to address. The team’s success ultimately hinges on Porzingis’ health, and until that is confirmed, the full impact of the trade remains uncertain.

The historical data and medical records cast doubt on the Warriors’ belief that Porzingis can return to full health. POTS is not a curable condition and can only be managed through strict lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes and proper exercise regimens. Furthermore, the 2024 NBA champion has appeared in just five games since late November. In his limited appearances, he has never exceeded 22 minutes of playing time. Even if the Warriors successfully bring him back, there is no guarantee they will have access to a fully healthy Kristaps Porzingis.

Beyond his current illness, Porzingis has a documented history of injuries that have sidelined him throughout his career. Since entering the league in 2015, he has been available for only 58.5 percent of games, a statistic that speaks volumes about his reliability. However, with substantial time remaining in the season, even a limited Porzingis contributing 25 minutes per game could prove transformative for the Warriors’ prospects.