Porzingis announces that he is stepping away from basketball to prioritize his health: “I’m fine, but I know what it takes and I’m not at the point where I want to be to perform at the level I demand of myself”

Kristaps Porzingisof the Golden State Warriors, announced this Friday that he will take an indefinite pause in his career to focus on his health, after starting the season away from the slopes due to medical problems that have not been revealed.

The Latvian, trained in the CB Sevilla youth team and a recognized Betis fan, joined the Sevillian club at the age of fifteen where, three years later, he made his debut under the guidance of Aíto García Reneses, with whom he grew to the point that he was chosen in the draft by the New York Knicks.

“I’m fine, but I know what it takes and I’m not at the point where I want to be to perform at the level I demand of myself.. “At this time, I have made the decision to prioritize my health and step away from the sport I love so much,” Porzingis said in a statement.

The Latvian, 31 years old and NBA champion in 2024 with the Boston Celtics, He acknowledged that his body “did not respond as expected” at the beginning of this seasonso he did not even participate in the preseason.

This week it was learned that the Warriors have suspended the payment of Porzingis’ salary – about $20 million – because they believe that the center is not meeting the obligations of his contract, a decision that neither the player nor the union has appealed.

“I want to show the utmost respect to the Golden State Warriors and work with them to find a mutually satisfactory solution,” Porzingis said in his statement.