Golden State Warriors big man Kristaps Porzingis has publicly denied internet rumors claiming he has contracted HIV or AIDS while remaining out of the team indefinitely due to an undisclosed health issue. The veteran center, who has not participated in training camp, addressed the speculation on social media as the NBA regular season begins next week.
Porzingis stated that he is working with doctors and experts to recover his health as quickly as possible. He described the process as frustrating, noting that dealing with health matters that are difficult to pinpoint, combined with a history of injuries, has taken a toll. However, he expressed confidence that he will feel great again soon and thanked fans for their support.
In a direct response to online speculators, Porzingis told the "internet doctors" to relax, asserting that he is in the best hands. He explicitly stated, "I don’t have HIV or AIDS," aiming to quiet the noise surrounding his condition. The player has not disclosed the specific details of his health matter to the public.
Financial details surrounding Porzingis’s situation remain a point of focus for the Warriors. He signed a $40 million contract extension with Golden State this offseason, and the organization was aware of his health concerns before the start of camp. For the upcoming season, only $3 million of the $20 million he is owed is guaranteed.
Porzingis’s recent career has been marked by limited availability. Last season, he played in only 34 games while splitting time between the Atlanta Hawks and the Warriors. He has previously alluded to lingering effects from an upper respiratory virus he contracted two seasons ago during his tenure with the Boston Celtics, which he believes has impacted his ability to consistently stay on the court.
Despite his absence, Porzingis has maintained contact with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Rick Celebrini, the team’s director of sports medicine and performance. Kerr is returning for this season, although speculation about his future role had emerged due to his contract situation. Until Porzingis chooses to discuss his specific medical condition, public speculation is likely to persist as he continues working toward a return to play.