NBA star declares 'I don't have AIDS' after mysteriously leaving team

Golden State Warriors star Kristaps Porzingis has been out of sight for weeks.

Kristaps Porzingishas addressed speculation about his health. (Image: Getty Images)

Kristaps Porzingis has been mysteriously absent from the NBA for several weeks, and the online speculation grew so intense that he felt compelled to address one rumour head-on. The Golden State Warriors forward missed training camp and the opening five pre-season matches due to a health-related issue. On Tuesday, he returned to the team's training facility and held talks with general manager Mike Dunleavy and Dr Rick Celebrini, the franchise's vice president of player health and performance. The Warriors confirmed the details of that meeting will remain confidential and Porzingis will continue to be sidelined indefinitely, but will be working with the team.

On Wednesday, Porzingis spoke about his circumstances on X. He explained that he is working with doctors and specialists to make a full recovery from the unknown issue.

"I just have to stay patient, and I believe I'll be feeling great again soon," Porzingis wrote. "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."

Responding to that post, he addressed online speculation directly: "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."

The Warriors have remained tight-lipped about the absence since Dunleavy announced on September 28 that Porzingis would be sidelined indefinitely. Dunleavy said at the time that Porzingis had been participating in off-season activities before the problem emerged.

Kristaps Porzingis continues to deal with an unknown illness. (Image: Getty Images)

"He's been participating in everything," Dunleavy said. "It just kind of popped up."

Porzingis did not travel with the squad to Hawaii for camp, and coach Steve Kerr stated last week that he had not seen him and described the situation as "definitely concerning."

Fitness problems have been a persistent challenge for the 7-foot-2 bigman, who has missed a combined 90 matches over the previous two seasons.

He started experiencing a prolonged upper respiratory viral illness in February 2025 while with the Boston Celtics, and subsequently disclosed a diagnosis of POTS, a condition that disrupts blood flow regulation and can trigger a rapid heartbeat and breathlessness.

Porzingis averaged 16.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks across 32 matches for Golden State last season.

His absence is already transforming the squad. Kerr revealed on Monday he is considering a starting five of Stephen Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Gui Santos, Yaxel Lendeborg and Draymond Green, with Green shifting to the centre position.