Joe Mazzulla didn’t sound surprised by Kristaps Porzingis’ choice to step away from basketball. He sounded understanding.
With Porzingis putting his health first amid a stretch of uncertainty around his future, the Boston Celtics coach said he had already checked in with the big man and had a positive exchange with him.
“I talked to him on the plane, reached out to him,” Mazzulla said. “Had a good conversation with him. Some of the other guys on the staff did as well.”
Mazzulla added, “I think it’s just a good reminder as we go through the NBA season and look at these guys as athletes and basketball players. I think he had a positive impact on the locker room.”
Porzingis has not made his season debut for Golden State after dealing with an undisclosed health issue. Golden State had hoped to have him available during the 2026-27 season, but his latest decision makes it clear that getting back on the floor is not his immediate focus.
The situation has been murky for months. In late September, Golden State said Porzingis would miss training camp and remain out indefinitely because of a health-related matter. The team never revealed the specifics of the issue or offered a timetable for his return.
Porzingis still has not said he is done with the NBA for good. Instead, he has indicated that he wants to work with Golden State on the right solution while keeping his health front and center.
Before landing with the Warriors, Porzingis spent two seasons with the Boston Celtics. Under Mazzulla, he became a key piece of the rotation and helped Boston during its 2024 championship run.
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