The Golden State Warriors may soon unveil a very familiar face in very different colors. When the Boston Celtics arrive in San Francisco, Kristaps Porzingis could be nearing his debut with Golden State following a midseason trade that quietly reshaped the Warriors’ frontcourt.
Porzingis has not appeared in a game since Jan. seven as he continues working back from postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and left Achilles tendinitis. His availability remains uncertain, but Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said the big man’s return is getting closer.
“Kristaps has been here the last handful of days,” Kerr said. “Practiced (Tuesday) with the team. Looking good. He’s feeling good. We won’t make a determination until after (Wednesday), when we practice (Wednesday) afternoon. We’ll get up and down the floor and scrimmage.”
Even with Porzingis limited to just 17 games this season, Kerr believes the adjustment will be seamless.
“You don’t have to change a whole lot,” Kerr said. “The biggest difference that he provides is his post-ups. He’s a pretty good post-up player, especially against switches. You throw him the ball at the foul-line, the elbows, even the low block, he can score in those spots.
“That was one of the things we did [Wednesday], we worked on our spacing. It’s a little different than the spacing around Jimmy [Butler]. Jimmy is a guy who is going to attack the rim, get to the basket, and kick out from that area whereas Kristaps is more of a scorer, shooter from iso spots, but similar concepts for everybody else. We’ve got to understand when there’s a mismatch.”
Steve Kerr said the Warriors worked on their spacing around Kristaps Porzingis post ups tonight: “It’s a little different than our spacing around Jimmy…Kristaps is more of a scorer, shooter from iso spots.” pic.twitter.com/iVP5llTQsp
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 18, 2026
Veteran forward Al Horford, who previously played alongside Porzingis in Boston, echoed the cautious optimism while speaking with The Mirror.
“You can always get caught on potential,” Horford said. “But, I think that the biggest thing for us is to make sure that we’re playing the right way, that we’re looking to get better as the season goes on and I believe that we have a great opportunity here in these next few days to do that.”
