Kristaps Porzingis' journey in the NBA has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Just a couple of years back, he was basking in the glory of an NBA Championship with the top team in the Eastern Conference.
Fast forward, and he found himself with the Atlanta Hawks, a team struggling to find its groove, and dealing with his own injury woes. It’s no wonder Porzingis describes the 2025-26 season as less than stellar.
Recurring knee issues turned him into a liability for the Hawks, prompting a trade to the Golden State Warriors earlier this month. Although he missed the first three games leading into the All-Star break, there's hope he'll suit up soon, possibly even against the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
When asked about his recent experiences, Porzingis didn’t hold back on his feelings about his stint with the Hawks. However, his outlook with the Warriors is refreshingly optimistic.
Reflecting on his time since the playoff run with the Celtics, Porzingis said, “Tough, honestly. Not the most enjoyable season, especially since that playoffs, then the summer-time I was healthy, I was good. And then kind of up-and-down this season, not playing too much.”
With only 17 games under his belt for the Hawks, Porzingis managed to average 17.1 points per game, a respectable feat given the circumstances. His primary goal with the Warriors, however, is to stay on the court and contribute consistently.
“I’m actually excited about being here now, feeling good today,” the towering 7’2″ forward shared.
It’s almost poetic that Porzingis might get a fresh start against the Celtics, the team with which he clinched his only championship ring. Now, he’s part of a Warriors squad hungry for another title, with Stephen Curry leading the charge.
For the Warriors to achieve their championship aspirations, they need Porzingis healthy and firing on all cylinders, especially with Jimmy Butler sidelined for the season. Porzingis' potential as a rim protector, floor spacer, and shooter could be pivotal. Encouragingly, reports indicate he's moving well in practice and nearing full fitness.
The Warriors will be keen to keep Porzingis fit and firing. His presence on the court could be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit.