Kristaps Porzingis, the 31‑year‑old Lithuanian center who currently plays for the Golden State Warriors, has announced that he will step away from basketball indefinitely to focus on his health. In a statement released on Tuesday, Porzingis said, “I’m fine, but I know what’s required and I’m not at the point I want to be to perform at the level I demand. At this moment, I have decided to prioritize my health and step away from the sport I love.” He added that he had not played during the preseason or early part of the season because his body had not responded as expected to the start of the campaign. Porzingis did not set a date for a possible return and clarified that the decision does not constitute a formal retirement. He also expressed a desire to “show maximum respect to the Golden State Warriors and work with them to find a satisfactory solution for both parties.” The Warriors have suspended the payment of Porzingis’s salary, which is close to $20 million, citing that he is not fulfilling his contractual obligations. Neither the player nor the NBA Players Association has appealed the decision. Porzingis was selected fourth overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the New York Knicks. He has played for the Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and now the Warriors. He won an NBA championship with Boston in 2024 and was an All‑Star in 2018. Over his career, he averages 19.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game.
Article source: De Ultimo Minuto | Image credit: De Ultimo Minuto