Kerr Unpacks Porzingis Pursuit: Warriors' Due Diligence on the 'Unicorn's' Health

It's always fascinating to peek behind the curtain a bit, isn't it? To hear directly from an NBA coach about the inner workings of player evaluation, especially when a major trade has just gone down. That's exactly what we got recently when Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr addressed the buzz surrounding Kristaps Porzingis.

Kerr, ever candid, confirmed that the Warriors had indeed done their homework on the 7-foot-3 Latvian big man, specifically diving deep into his health records. "We did our due diligence on Kristaps' health," Kerr stated, offering a telling glimpse into what must have been an extensive review. When a player with Porzingis's unique skillset becomes available, even for a moment, you can bet nearly every front office takes a hard look. But for a team like the Warriors, with their championship aspirations and careful roster management, health is paramount.

He's undeniably talented, a genuine 'unicorn' in the league, boasting an impressive blend of shooting, shot-blocking, and overall offensive versatility. When he's on the court, Porzingis can absolutely dominate. But the nagging question mark, the elephant in the room if you will, has always been his durability. He's battled a string of significant injuries throughout his career, from an ACL tear to various foot and knee issues, which have unfortunately limited his time on the court.

Ultimately, Porzingis found his way to the Boston Celtics in a multi-team deal that certainly shook up the league. Meanwhile, the Warriors pivoted, making their own blockbuster move by trading Jordan Poole for Chris Paul. Kerr's comments, however, really highlight the intricate dance of risk and reward that NBA general managers and coaches constantly perform. They see the tantalizing potential, sure, but they also have to weigh the practical realities of a player's physical condition and how that might impact a grueling 82-game season and playoff run.

So, while the Warriors might have been intrigued by Porzingis's upside, it seems their thorough investigation into his health led them down a different path. It's a reminder that in professional sports, sometimes the best move isn't the flashiest, but the one that aligns best with long-term reliability and a team's championship window.