LOS ANGELES — Kristaps Porziņģis was formally introduced as a member of the Golden State Warriors before Saturday’s game and is excited about the opportunity of playing with a veteran team that he believes he can help.
“I think it’s a great, great opportunity to turn a new page,” Porziņģis said. “From what I’ve seen, and the conversations I’ve had so far with the medical staff here, and the people that work here, I have to say I’m very surprised and very optimistic. I’m in really, really good hands, if not some of the best hands, and I think that will also add to what I already have in my mind. So, I look forward to really having a surprisingly good post All-Star break.”
Porziņģis, who was acquired just before Thursday’s deadline from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, has played in just 59 games over the last two seasons because of various health issues. He met with the Warriors training staff on Saturday and went through a workout. Both Porziņģis and Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy are confident that Porziņģis can stay on the floor and help Golden State. Warriors coach Steve Kerr said that the organization was hopeful that the 30-year-old big man would make his debut after the All-Star break.
“We feel good about it,” Dunleavy said before Saturday’s game. “We looked into it pretty in-depth. We believe in our medical staff. There’s no guarantees, no certainty, but kind of where he’s at right now, where he’s been, we feel good about it. On the other end of it, in terms of what we’re sending out, we’re sending out a player who has struggled to stay on the floor (in Kuminga) — I think from our standpoint, we recognize the risk medically, but it’s a risk we’re willing to take.”
Kerr has reiterated in recent days that the Warriors wouldn’t have made the deal for Porziņģis unless they believed they could help keep him in their rotation. Kerr also said that the plan for Porziņģis was to stay in The Bay and continue his rehab as he acclimates to a new team. Porziņģis hasn’t played since Jan. 7 and totaled only 17 games with the Hawks.
“We love the player Kristaps,” Dunleavy said. “We think he can help us with some of the stuff on-court, his rim protection, his ability to score, get fouled, take care of the ball — all things that we’re looking to improve, particularly after losing Jimmy (Butler).”
Porziņģis said the trade came as a “surprise,” but once he found out where he was going, he was excited — especially after reconnecting with former Boston Celtics teammate Al Horford.
“I’ve been a huge fan of Steph for a long time,” Porziņģis said. “Just watching him from outside, he’s unreal. So, to play alongside somebody like that will be really cool, and I think it brings the level up for everybody when you have somebody like that on your team. Special, special player.”
For his part, Dunleavy noted that he felt there was a “pathway” for Porziņģis, who is a free agent after the season, to return to the Warriors after this year. The Warriors are hopeful that Porziņģis’ length and his shooting ability can help them on both ends of the floor.
“We’re hopeful for it,” Dunleavy said. “We have his Bird rights and things like that. So, I think we’ve got options on the table and feel good with what can unfold.”
On a different injury note, Kerr also noted that there was a “good chance” that Curry would miss the last two games before the All-Star break. Saturday marked Curry’s third straight absence because of runner’s knee, and he continues to receive daily treatment. For now, Kerr said Curry was still day-to-day and “doubtful” for Monday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies.
“Any time Steph’s missing games or injured, I’m always concerned,” Dunleavy said. “But I don’t think this is anything different. We feel comfortable he’s gonna be OK.”
