Kerr Confident in Porzingis’ Impact: “Perfect for Our System”
The Golden State Warriors are betting on Kristaps Porzingis following Jimmy Butler’s injury. Steve Kerr expressed confidence, but the big man’s return remains uncertain
Jimmy Butler’s ACL injury ultimately pushed the Golden State Warriors to finalize a trade for Kristaps Porzingis, who arrives from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Buddy Hield and Jonathan Kuminga.
The former Boston Celtics big man, sidelined since January 7 with an Achilles tendon issue, remains a question mark. Even in the months prior, the Hawks had used him sparingly.
Despite Porzingis’ well-documented injury history, Warriors head coach Steve Kerr sounded enthusiastic about the new addition:
I see him fitting very well into our system. With a ball handler next to him, if he positions himself in the middle of the paint and uses his size and skill set, he can give us a lot.
Steve Kerr
Kerr also expressed confidence regarding the physical condition of the No. 4 overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft:
He hasn’t practiced at 100% with the team yet, so I can’t give you a precise timeline for his return. He’ll work with the group tomorrow and we’ll know more.
Steve Kerr
Now it’s up to the court to provide answers. If Porzingis is healthy, Golden State adds size, shooting and offensive versatility that have been lacking so far. If the injury issues continue to limit him, however, the risk is that the Warriors made a major gamble at the most delicate point of the season.