Getty
Head Coach Steve Kerr of the Golden State Warriors talks to the media during a press conference after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on January 25, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The Golden State Warriors continue to monitor Kristaps Porziņģis closely as he works through recent injury concerns, but coach Steve Kerr offered an encouraging assessment of the veteran big man’s progress.
“We’ll see. But it’s trending in the right direction,” Kerr said on 95.7 The Game on Tuesday. “Clearly, Kristaps has been playing and playing really well and feeling good. He did get banged up a couple of games ago and took one game off. But all in all, his health is good.”
GettyKristaps Porzingis of the Golden State Warriors of the Golden State Warriors reacts on the sideline.
Kerr’s comments reflect a cautiously optimistic outlook for Porziņģis, who has dealt with multiple issues this season, including back discomfort, illness and recovery from Achilles tendinitis sustained before he arrived in Golden State.
Porziņģis is off the injury report and he’s available to play against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
Kerr Praises Offensive Versatility
Beyond the health update, Kerr highlighted Porziņģis’ offensive impact since joining the Warriors.
“He just scores the ball so easily, and we can go to him in ISO situations, and he draws a lot of help,” Kerr said. “So he’s really, really a good player.”
That ability to generate offense in isolation has given Golden State another option in half-court sets, particularly with several perimeter players sidelined.
Finding Rhythm in Limited Minutes
Porziņģis has appeared in just eight games with the Warriors since being acquired at the trade deadline, but his production has been steady when available.
He is averaging 15.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.8 blocks in 21.4 minutes, reflecting efficiency in a controlled role as the team manages his workload.
GettyKristaps Porzingis of the Golden State Warriors is defended by Max Christie of the Dallas Mavericks.
In Golden State’s most recent outing — a 137-131 overtime win over the Dallas Mavericks — Porziņģis recorded 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists in 29 minutes, his highest minute total with the team.
The increased workload suggested growing confidence in his conditioning and ability to handle extended minutes.
Road Trip Showed Expanded Role
Porziņģis also showed flashes of a larger role during the Warriors’ recent road trip.
He delivered a season-high 30 points in a win over the Washington Wizards, adding three blocks and two steals in a dominant two-way performance.
He followed that with a defensive showing against the Boston Celtics, where he recorded multiple blocks early and finished with 11 points and four combined steals and blocks in 22 minutes.
Those performances highlighted his ability to impact games as both a scorer and rim protector.
Balancing Production and Health
Despite the encouraging performances, Kerr made it clear that the Warriors remain mindful of Porziņģis’ health as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
The team has taken a measured approach with his minutes, aiming to maximize his effectiveness while avoiding setbacks.
Porziņģis has played in only 25 games this season, underscoring the importance of managing his workload carefully.
Key Piece in Playoff Push
Golden State (34-38) remains in the Western Conference play-in picture and is still chasing improved positioning.
With several key players unavailable, Porziņģis’ ability to stay on the floor could play a significant role in the team’s outlook.
His size, shooting and defensive presence give the Warriors a different dimension, particularly in matchups that require frontcourt versatility.
Looking Ahead
Kerr’s update reflects a balance between optimism and caution as the Warriors evaluate Porziņģis’ status moving forward.
If he continues to trend in the right direction, his role could expand as Golden State pushes toward the postseason.
For now, the focus remains on maintaining his health while capitalizing on the impact he has already shown in a limited sample.
Alder Almo is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com. He has more than 20 years of experience in local and international media, including broadcast, print and digital. He previously covered the Knicks for Empire Sports Media and the NBA for Off the Glass. Alder is from the Philippines and is now based in Jersey City, New Jersey. More about Alder Almo
More Heavy on Warriors
Loading more stories