Golden State Warriors big man Kristaps Porziņģis announced on Friday his decision to prioritize his health and step away from basketball due to ongoing health issues. The 31-year-old has not played this season, leaving fans and the organization uncertain about his future on the court.

In his statement, Porziņģis expressed:

"This season I was really looking forward to running it with this group, but as I ramped up, my body didn't respond the way I anticipated."

He emphasized his commitment to working with the Warriors to find a suitable solution and thanked his family and supporters for their encouragement.

Porziņģis' career has been marred by health challenges. Since being drafted No. 4 overall by the New York Knicks in 2015, he has played more than 57 games only three times. His recent struggles include a diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which causes extreme fatigue and dizziness.

• Key Points:
  • Porziņģis signed a two-year, $40 million deal, with only $3 million guaranteed for the second year.
  • He has been absent since late September and previously addressed rumors about his health.
  • The Warriors are exploring trade options, as Porziņģis' contract could serve as an expiring deal, potentially attracting teams looking to offload longer-term contracts.

Despite Porziņģis' absence, the Warriors started the season strong with a 6-3 record, currently holding seventh place in the competitive Western Conference. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has stepped up, averaging 21 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, showcasing the depth of the roster.

The future remains uncertain for Porziņģis, but his health takes precedence as he seeks to return to form.