Steve Kerr Apologizes for Remarks on Porzingis’ Health Issue

Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors, recently issued an apology regarding his remarks on Kristaps Porzingis’ health issues. Porzingis, a 7-foot-2 center, has struggled with a lingering illness that has significantly impacted his ability to play during the 2025-26 NBA season.

Porzingis’ Ongoing Health Struggles

Kristaps Porzingis has been limited to only 18 games this season. Last year, he played a crucial role in helping the Boston Celtics secure their 18th championship. However, his performance was hindered by recurring health concerns, most notably diagnosed as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).

POTS can cause rapid heart rate, fatigue, and dizziness when standing. In an interview with The Athletic, Porzingis detailed the toll the condition took on him, stating, “At that time, I could just lay on the couch and be a house cat.” He had already missed eight games due to illness in March 2025, leading to a steep decline in his performance during the playoffs.

Kerr’s Controversial Comments

During a radio interview on 95.7 The Game, Steve Kerr commented on Porzingis’ recent health challenges. He highlighted a conversation with the Atlanta Hawks’ general manager, suggesting that there had been some misinformation regarding Porzingis’ diagnosis.

• Kerr stated: “He’s actually not POTS. That was some misinformation that was out there.”
• He implied that Porzingis had other health issues unrelated to his prior diagnosis of POTS.
• Kerr noted that Porzingis was suffering from a temporary illness that required him to stay away from games.

However, following backlash, Kerr regretted discussing Porzingis’ health, saying, “It was a stupid mistake by me to talk about something I’m not qualified to talk about.” He emphasized the need to defer to medical professionals on such matters.

Future for Porzingis

Since his acquisition by the Warriors in a trade involving Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, Porzingis has played one game, scoring 12 points against the Celtics. His fitness and recovery remain a priority for the team as they continue to monitor his health closely.

As Porzingis works through these health challenges, both he and the Warriors organization hope for a swift return to form, allowing him to contribute effectively to the team.