Kristaps Porzingis denies having ‘HIV or AIDS’ as NBA star addresses mystery absence from Warriors for health reasons
Kristaps Porzingis has responded to ongoing speculation about his health after his mystery absence from the Golden State Warriors throughout preseason.
The NBA veteran, 31, has been away from the team and ruled out indefinitely due to an undisclosed health issue ahead of the new season but has now returned to the facility.
The situation has sparked much speculation and wild theories about why the Latvian has not been on the court.
It has led him to provide an update on social media and insist: ‘I don’t have HIV or AIDS’ in a direct response to baseless suggestions from ‘internet doctors’ trying to weigh in.
Porzingis wrote: ‘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. I just have to stay patient, and I believe I’ll be feeling great again soon.
Kristaps Porzingis has provided an update on his health after being away from the team
Porzingis signed a two-year, $40M contract with the Golden State Warriors earlier this year
‘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. I appreciate all the internet doctors trying to diagnose and help, but I’m in the best hands.
‘So everyone can relax now…and I don’t have HIV or AIDS.’
Porzingis provided the update via his social media after the Golden State Warriors issued a statement on his situation before a preseason win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
The team said: ‘Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis, who missed training camp and the team’s first five (5) preseason games due to a health-related matter, returned to the Warriors’ practice facility yesterday and met with Warriors General Manager Mike Dunleavy and Vice President of Player Health & Performance Dr. Rick Celebrini.
‘The specific contents of that meeting will remain private. Porzingis will remain out indefinitely due to the same health-related matter but will be around the team.
‘An update on his status, including the potential resumption of practice, playing status, or timeline, will be provided when available and appropriate.’
Porzingis signed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Warriors earlier this summer, with the second year being a player option.
Golden State begins their new season on October 21 against the Lakers in Los Angeles, with Porzingis’ status as yet unclear as Steve Kerr hopes he can play a big role this upcoming season.
