The Warriors have opened the season with a 1-3 record.
Golden State has had an early problem with availability this year, primarily with their bigs. The health issues of Kristaps Porzingis has largely dominated the team’s storyline for the 2026-27 season.
There is now growing concern within the organization Porzingis may never play again for the Warriors, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN.
The center, who signed a two-year, $40 million extension with the Warriors in the offseason, has not been with the team since he missed training camp. The front office has told head coach Steve Kerr to view Porzingis as a non-factor while strategizing and preparing his team.
Porzingis’ absence on the court has left the Warriors in a precarious situation with their frontcourt. Draymond Green, who is listed at 6-foot-6, has been tasked with filling in at the center position.
Green was Golden State’s starting center on Opening Night, where Lakers big Walker Kessler dunked on the Warriors 10 time. The veteran forward was also slotted in to defend the 7-foot-4 Zach Edey.
In order to give Green a reprieve, the team started two-way undrafted center Graham Ike. But the Gonzaga product will be limited to only 50 games because of his contract. Charles Bassey presents another option for Golden State as the 25-year-old journeyman looks to provide depth off the bench.
Porzingis could be traded by the Warriors, but the chances of the front office striking a deal in late October seem slim. For now, Golden State will have to be patient with the Porzingis situation, which could very well end with the 31-year-old never playing another minute for the Warriors.
