Porzingis Says He Is Improving After Unclear Illness, Rejects HIV and AIDS Rumors

Latvian basketball player Kristaps Porzingis said on the social platform X that he is working with doctors to regain full health as soon as possible, and he rejected rumors that he has HIV or AIDS. He plays for the Golden State Warriors in the NBA, North America's professional basketball league, and the club issued its own statement about him on October 14, the same day as his post.

Background

This offseason the Warriors signed Porzingis to a two-year contract. However, he did not arrive for the start of training camp because he was unable to join the team due to an unspecified illness. Head coach Steve Kerr was asked about the player's status several times, and for a long time said he did not even know where Porzingis was.

Statements from the club and the player

The club has now said that Porzingis is with the team. At the same time, it remains unclear when the Latvian might return to the lineup.

The player wrote that he is getting better and better, but must stay patient. He admitted it is frustrating to deal with health problems that cannot be precisely identified, especially on top of injuries during his career. Porzingis said he is confident the period will be overcome.

He also thanked people for their support and said he appreciates internet users who try to work out a diagnosis and help. However, he said he is currently in the care of doctors, so others do not need to worry. He ended by stating plainly that he has neither HIV nor AIDS.

The specific illness has still not been named publicly, and no concrete information on his return date has been provided.