Green says Warriors had already forgotten about Porziņģis
Golden State Warriors veteran Draymond Green said the team had already moved on mentally from Kristaps Porziņģis. ESPN had reported that the Latvian is considering retirement because of health problems.
The Golden State Warriors of the NBA, North America's top professional basketball league, have addressed the situation around Latvian center Kristaps Porziņģis, who has not taken part in the team's activities so far this season. Experienced teammate Draymond Green said the latest news did not distract the squad, because the players had already become used to his absence.
What ESPN reported
Midweek, Shams Charania, a prominent reporter for the US sports network ESPN, said Porziņģis is weighing the possibility of ending his career right now because of health problems. He also indicated that the Warriors would be interested in trading the player and his contract. Only three of the 20 million in the second season of that deal are reportedly guaranteed.
Green's view
Green noted that the team went through training camp and the preseason without Porziņģis, so it is accustomed to the players who are present. The announcement made people think about the matter again. On reports of a possible trade, he said Charania knows more than the players do, so it remains to be seen what happens. Green wished the Latvian all the best and hoped he would get his health in order, whether or not he keeps playing basketball.
Background
Porziņģis was cleared to prepare a week before training camp. However, a day before camp the club's management unexpectedly announced that he would not travel to Hawaii and would miss the start of camp and the first preseason game. Warriors representatives later said they did not know where he was.
Last season Porziņģis played 15 games for the Warriors, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds.
