Warriors Notes: Porzingis, Melton, Santos, More Veteran center Kristaps Porzingis is expected to become an unrestricted free agent this summer unless he signs an extension before then. According to Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area, the Warriors have been assessing Porzingis over the past several weeks as he considers his future with the team. Early signs suggest Porzingis has grown fond of the organization, particularly praising Rick Celebrini, Golden State’s director of sports medicine and performance, for his support during Porzingis’ ongoing health struggles. “Rick’s amazing,” Porzingis said after practice. “Rick is the GOAT, man. Really. I’m very happy with these guys, and I’m sure they will keep me on the same path.” Porzingis acknowledged that while he is still not playing high minutes due to his recovery process, his improved physical condition is leading to more opportunities on the court. He expressed hope for increased playing time and eventually earning a spot on back-to-back games, which he views as the next step in his development. Porzingis also highlighted the value of playing alongside Stephen Curry, though the 12-time All-Star guard’s knee injury has kept him sidelined since late January. Curry’s absence has limited Porzingis’ ability to fully integrate into the team’s system, but the Warriors remain optimistic about his return. De’Anthony Melton, another potential free agent, is also weighing his options. The 27-year-old combo guard has a $3.5 million player option for next season but indicated he may decline it. Melton emphasized his dedication to the league over eight years, stating, “I’ve put in a lot of time and effort and work into this. I think that should be rewarded.#de_anthony_melton #gui_santos #stephen_curry #kristaps_porzingis #rick_celebrini

Steve Kerr: Warriors Not Rushing Steph Curry’s Return Amid Knee Injury The Golden State Warriors are navigating a challenging season marked by a series of injuries, with Stephen Curry’s absence proving to be the most significant setback. Despite the team’s struggles, they remain in contention for the NBA play-in tournament, but questions linger about whether Curry will return before the end of the regular season. Warriors coach Steve Kerr has made it clear that the team will not rush Curry’s recovery, emphasizing that his health and readiness are the top priorities. Curry, a 12-time NBA All-Star, last played on January 30 in a 131-124 loss to the Detroit Pistons. Since then, he has been sidelined with a knee injury, leaving the Warriors without one of their most vital players. While some in the basketball world have questioned the wisdom of bringing Curry back, Kerr has assured the media that the decision will be made based on medical certainty rather than pressure. “If we don’t feel good about [Steph’s knee], then he’s not going to play,” Kerr said during an interview with 97.5 The Game’s “Willard & Dibs” program. “We’re not pushing him into anything if things aren’t really clear.” Kerr’s comments align with the stance of the team’s director of sports medicine, Rick Celebrini, who has been vocal about the importance of patience in Curry’s rehabilitation. The coach reiterated that the focus remains on ensuring Curry’s safety and long-term health, even as the Warriors face a critical stretch of the season. With 10 games remaining in the regular season, the timeline for Curry’s return remains uncertain. The Warriors’ injury woes have extended beyond Curry, with multiple key players sidelined at various points during the season.#golden_state_warriors #steve_kerr #stephen_curry #rick_celebrini #nba_play_in_tournament

Moses Moody Out for Season After Torn Patellar Tendon Injury Golden State Warriors wing Moses Moody has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season after suffering a torn left patellar tendon, the team confirmed on Tuesday. The injury occurred during the Warriors’ overtime victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night, ending his season prematurely. Moody’s injury happened late in the game when his left knee buckled while he attempted a transition dunk. He immediately grabbed at his leg, fell to the floor near the Warriors’ bench, and was stretchered off the court. The incident halted play for several minutes as trainers and teammates gathered around him. Veteran forward Draymond Green, who embraced Moody after the game, praised his resilience and dedication, calling him a “guy who does everything right.” The Warriors’ medical team, led by Rick Celebrini, confirmed the diagnosis following an MRI in San Francisco on Tuesday afternoon. Surgery is scheduled for Thursday, and Moody will require extensive rehabilitation, likely sidelining him for most of the 2025-26 season. The injury adds to a challenging season for the Warriors, who have already faced multiple setbacks. Moody, who had missed the previous 10 games due to a right wrist sprain, was in peak form during his return. In the game against the Mavericks, he contributed 23 points, including a highlight-reel steal of rookie Cooper Flagg’s dribble. However, his attempt to finish the play with a dunk was cut short by the injury. The Warriors’ injury woes continue to mount, with key players sidelined. Veteran wing Jimmy Butler tore his ACL in early January, and star guard Stephen Curry is set to miss his 23rd consecutive game due to a persistent right knee issue. Starting center Al Horford is also out with a calf strain.#san_francisco #golden_state_warriors #draymond_green #moses_moody #rick_celebrini

Steph Curry not cleared for scrimmage in Atlanta - Yahoo Sports Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr announced on March 21 that Steph Curry, recovering from a runner’s knee injury, would be cleared to participate in a scrimmage in Atlanta the following day. However, the Warriors later clarified that Curry did not take part in the scrimmage. Instead, the team’s director of sports medicine and performance, Rick Celebrini, opted for additional court and rehabilitation work with Curry. The Warriors emphasized that this decision does not indicate a setback in Curry’s recovery but rather reflects that he was not yet prepared to advance to the next phase of his rehabilitation. Curry’s absence from the scrimmage highlights the cautious approach being taken by the team’s medical staff. While Kerr initially confirmed the clearance, the revised details suggest that the rehabilitation process is being prioritized over immediate physical activity. The Warriors have not provided further specifics on the timeline for Curry’s return to full participation, but the focus remains on ensuring his long-term health. Curry’s injury has already impacted the team’s schedule, as he is set to miss 22 consecutive games. The Warriors have ruled him out for the upcoming matchup against the Dallas Mavericks, marking the start of his extended absence. The team’s medical staff has consistently maintained that the injury requires a structured recovery plan, and any adjustments to Curry’s progress are part of that process. The Warriors’ decision to delay Curry’s return to full play underscores the delicate balance between rehabilitation and performance. While the team is eager to have Curry back on the court, the priority remains on his health.#atlanta #golden_state_warriors #steve_kerr #steph_curry #rick_celebrini
