Kristaps Porzingis stepping away from basketball amid health issues: ‘Not where I want to be’

Kristaps Porzingis says he is stepping away from basketball to prioritise his health after his body did not respond as expected while preparing for the season. The Golden State Warriors centre says he is improving but does not feel able to perform at the level he expects of himself.

Porzingis has not played for the Warriors this season and reportedly has recurring symptoms associated with POTS, which can include dizziness and fatigue. A report says the team has stopped making payments on his $20 million salary; Porzingis is not actively disputing this, and the players’ union does not plan to challenge it. The Warriors gave him a two-year, $40 million extension in the off-season, and he has earned more than $253 million in the NBA.