Porzingis Denies HIV/AIDS Speculation Amid Health Absence
Warriors big man addresses 'internet doctors' on social media regarding his undisclosed health issue.
Golden State Warriors center Kristaps Porzingis has publicly addressed speculation regarding his undisclosed health matter, emphatically stating that he does not have HIV or AIDS. Porzingis took to social media platform X to address what he called "internet doctors" who have been theorizing about his condition.
"I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I’m in the best hands," Porzingis wrote. "So everyone can relax now and I don’t have HIV or AIDS."
Porzingis has been absent from the Warriors' training camp and has not been with the team as the regular season approaches. While he has not disclosed the specifics of his health issue, he assured fans that he is working with medical professionals and expects to recover.
"Hello people, I’m working with doctors and experts to figure out how to be fully back to good health asap. Honestly, I’m getting better and better," he stated. "I just have to stay patient, and I believe I’ll be feeling great again soon."
He acknowledged the frustration of dealing with health issues that are not clearly defined, especially given his history of injuries. "It has definitely been frustrating dealing with some health stuff that you can’t exactly pinpoint, on top of injuries throughout my career, so it has added up for sure, but we will get through it. Health is wealth. Thank you for all the support."
Porzingis signed a $40 million extension with the Warriors this offseason. The team was aware of a health matter when the deal was finalized, though only $3 million of his $20 million for the upcoming season is guaranteed.
This situation brings to mind a similar health concern from two seasons ago when Porzingis dealt with an upper respiratory virus during his time with the Boston Celtics, which he has indicated may have had lingering effects on his ability to play consistently. Last season, he played in only 34 games combined with the Atlanta Hawks and the Warriors.
Porzingis has been in communication with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Rick Celebrini, the team's director of sports medicine and performance, as he works towards his return.