Kristaps Porzingis Out Indefinitely as Warriors Camp Opens in Hawaii
The $40M big man is sidelined with an undisclosed health issue after playing just 15 games for Golden State last season. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is the fantasy domino.
No timeline yet, but his availability history makes him a risky draft asset.
- Out indefinitely with undisclosed health issue
- Just 15 games played for GSW in 2025-26
- Signed 2-yr, $40M deal this summer
- Hasn't topped 60 games in four straight seasons
- Lendeborg was No. 11 overall pick in 2026
Golden State opened training camp in Hawaii on Monday without Kristaps Porzingis, who the team announced is out indefinitely with an undisclosed health issue. It's an ominous start for a player who just signed a two-year, $40 million deal this summer and appeared in only 15 games for the Warriors after arriving at February's trade deadline.
The 31-year-old actually missed more games (16) than he played (15) once he landed in the Bay Area, and this is now a fourth consecutive season in which he won't sniff 60 appearances. GM Mike Dunleavy tried to tamp down the alarm, saying he isn't writing Porzingis off for opening night and that it's too early to overreact. Fine. But the pattern here is the story.
When Porzingis was on the floor last year, he was productive: 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game across those 15 outings. The problem has never been output — it's availability. He played 42 games with Boston in 2024-25 and just 32 total last season split between Atlanta and Golden State. His career high in games played remains the 72 he posted as a Knicks rookie over a decade ago.
The Fantasy Fallout
The most immediate ripple runs through Golden State's frontcourt depth. Al Horford, our No. 168 overall (32nd among centers) after averaging 22.6 fantasy points per game in 45 games last season (2025-26, actual), likely absorbs more minutes early. But the name to circle is rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Steve Kerr has already said the No. 11 pick is going to play heavily, praising his size and versatility whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Lendeborg backed up the hype in Las Vegas, dropping 21 points and 10 boards against Memphis to help the Warriors grab a summer league title. He's viewed as one of the most NBA-ready rookies in the class, and a Porzingis absence hands him a real runway to real production out of the gate.
For fantasy managers, the move is simple: don't reach for Porzingis on draft day. The talent is undeniable, but four straight seasons under 60 games and an open-ended camp absence make him a discount-only target you handcuff, not build around. Bump Lendeborg up your rookie board and keep Horford rostered in deeper formats. Draft the guy who'll actually be on the floor.
