Veterans Center Kristaps Porzingis announced in a statement on Friday that he is retiring from basketball and will work with Warriors to “find a solution that makes sense” for both parties (Link to Twitter).
“This season I was looking forward to running (getting back) with this group, but as I picked up the pace my body didn’t react the way I expected“, Porzingis wrote.I’m doing well, but I know what it’s taking and I’m not where I want to be to perform at the level I expect of myself.
“For now, I have made the decision to prioritize my health and step away from the game I love.
“In this situation, I want to express my utmost respect to the Golden State Warriors and work with them to find a reasonable solution.
“I am grateful to my family and friends for always being there for me. Many thanks to all of you for your support.
“Onward and upward, Kristaps Porzingis.»
Porzingis has missed much of the past two years with non-injury health issues and has last fall about the diagnosis of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). Neither he nor the Warriors have offered any specifics about the ailment that currently keeps him out of the team, but it’s serious enough that he felt compelled to release a statement today.
This is reported by ESPN on Wednesday that Golden State was delaying Porzingis’ salary, claiming he was not performing the services required under the player’s contract. Porzingis reportedly hasn’t actively contested those missed payments, and it’s believed he would be “strongly interested” in working out a buyout agreement that allows him to keep a portion of his $20 million salary rather than fight through fines for each game.
Still to come…