Warriors Coach Kerr on Porziņģis: "I'm really excited about the chance to coach him"

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr expressed enthusiasm about working with Kristaps Porziņģis, saying the Latvian center is set to play an important defensive role for the team.

Kerr plans to deploy Porziņģis as a rim protector — an approach he previously used while coaching the Indiana Pacers with Roy Hibbert and the Los Angeles Lakers with Anthony Davis. The coach emphasized that his defensive system relies on many details he believes in, and that he has experience helping tall, shot-blocking players fully showcase their defensive abilities.

A disrupted previous season

Last season, health issues limited Porziņģis to just 15 games with the Warriors. In those appearances, he averaged 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks per game.

Despite the limited playing time, the Latvian signed a new two-year, $40 million contract with the Golden State club over the summer.

Club hopes for a healthier season

Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy previously voiced confidence that Porziņģis's health would improve next season. According to Dunleavy, the club carefully assessed the situation and discussed potential solutions with the player, suggesting a healthier season lies ahead.