Warriors' Porzingis fears mount as 1-3 start exposes center void

The Golden State Warriors have opened the 2026-27 NBA season with a dismal 1-3 record, and their crisis centers on the conspicuous absence of Kristaps Porzingis. According to the New York Post ^[1], growing concern within the organization suggests the 31-year-old center may never suit up for the Warriors again. The team signed Porzingis to a two-year, $40 million extension in the offseason, but he has not been with the squad since opting out of training camp.

ESPN reported ^[2] that the front office has instructed head coach Steve Kerr to strategize as if Porzingis is a nonfactor. This directive has forced veteran Draymond Green, listed at just 6-foot-6, into the starting center role. On opening night, Green was tasked with defending the Lakers' Walker Kessler, who dunked on the Warriors 10 times, according to the New York Post ^[1]. Green also faced the 7-foot-4 Zach Edey, leading to a frustration foul that contributed to a blown 12-point lead.

To alleviate the physical toll on the 36-year-old Green, the Warriors started two-way undrafted center Graham Ike, the New York Post noted ^[1]. However, Ike’s contract limits him to 50 games, leaving the frontcourt rotation dangerously thin. Charles Bassey, a 25-year-old journeyman, offers minimal depth, as ESPN highlighted ^[2]. The situation is precarious, with the team’s lack of size exposing them to repeated interior assaults.

Stephen Curry expressed his frustration when asked about Porzingis’ indefinite absence. He tapped the table and said, "Aggggh. It's a hard one for all reasons," while acknowledging the human element of Porzingis' health struggles. Curry emphasized that availability is a critical factor for the team, particularly given the importance of the center position.

The Warriors' decision to make this financial commitment looms large over their early-season struggles. ESPN noted ^[2] that Porzingis missed 90 games over the past two seasons with three different teams. Despite this, the Warriors re-signed him, hoping for an available rotation piece. However, sources indicate extreme pessimism regarding his return. Only General Manager Mike Dunleavy and Rick Celebrini, the team's lead medical decision-maker, have been communicating with Porzingis during his absence. Kerr has bristled at questions about the situation, stating he has nothing to add.

While Porzingis could be traded, the chances of a deal in late October appear slim, according to the New York Post ^[1]. His contract, only guaranteed for $3 million next season, might still hold value as a trade asset. For now, the Warriors must navigate their early-season slump without their presumed starting center, relying on a patched-together frontcourt that is struggling to compete in the NBA's physical landscape.