Steve Kerr 'Off Guard' by Kristaps Porzingis's Absence

Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr stated that he was caught "off guard" by the mystery illness that has kept Kristaps Porzingis away from the team. The Warriors have started the season 2-3, with Porzingis, their significant acquisition from last season, absent.

Kerr told 95.7 The Game’s Dylan Grausz that he had been in communication with Porzingis over the summer and that "everything seemed to be in a good place" until training camp began. He added that since Porzingis's absence at the start of camp, the team has had to move forward without significant consideration for his situation due to the demands of preparing for daily games.

"I haven’t given it a whole lot of thought to be honest, because we’re busy. We have to take every single day and get our team ready for the next game," Kerr said.

Despite the team's focus on the current season, Kerr mentioned he occasionally checks in on Porzingis but is committed to developing the players currently with the team. He expressed confidence in the team's younger big men, Graham Ike and Charles Bassey, and their opportunity to play.

"We’re excited about playing those guys, and the opportunity that they’re going to receive, but everything else is not my jurisdiction. That’s Mike’s [Dunleavy] and the front office’s, and I just come to practice, and I look forward to coaching the guys every day. We’re competing and seeing what we can put together,” Kerr stated.

Prior to the season, Kerr had indicated that Porzingis's underlying health issues would likely preclude him from traveling with the team, emphasizing a desire to give him space to focus on his recovery.

Last season, Porzingis provided a boost to the Warriors after being traded from the Atlanta Hawks, averaging 16.1 points and 5.3 rebounds in 15 games. During the offseason, the Warriors signed Porzingis to a two-year, $40 million contract extension, viewing him as a key piece in their efforts to support Steph Curry's pursuit of a fifth NBA title.