The Golden State Warriors are preparing to lean more heavily into their newest frontcourt piece.
After a solid but carefully managed debut, Kristaps Porzingis is set to see his minutes increase as Golden State continues to navigate life without Stephen Curry, who remains sidelined with patellofemoral pain syndrome (“runner’s knee”).
Kerr Confirms Minutes Increase After Porzingis’ Debut
Warriors head coach Steve Kerr confirmed Saturday that Porzingis’ workload will rise starting with Sunday’s matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
“We’ll bump it up a little bit,” Kerr told reporters. “[After] Talking to the training staff this morning, we’ll be able to bump it up, but not too much.”
While his minutes will increase, Porzingis will still come off the bench, according to Kerr.
The decision marks a significant step in Porzingis’ ramp-up process and underscores Golden State’s urgency as it tries to stabilize its rotation without its franchise star.
Encouraging Debut Against Former Team
Porzingis made his Warriors debut Thursday in a 121–110 loss to the Boston Celtics — his former team — after missing 13 straight games before the trade and three more post-trade due to Achilles tendinitis.
In just 17 minutes, Porzingis flashed the two-way skill set that made him such an appealing acquisition. He finished with 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting (including 2-of-5 from three) while adding two blocks defensively.
“Even tonight, I would’ve liked to go longer,” Porzingis said post-game. “Even if I’m exhausted out there, I still want to push myself. But I know I have to take it step by step. Add a couple of minutes next game, hopefully.”
That request has now been granted.
Gradual Build After Achilles Tendinitis
The Warriors were always expected to take a cautious approach with Porzingis, whose debut was delayed while he recovered from Achilles tendinitis — an injury that can linger if rushed.
“I want to get in perfect shape where I can go and not be a half-step late,” Porzingis said. “Be quick, and be quick on my feet. The shot wasn’t perfect; a couple of shots were a bit flat. These are things that are going to take a little bit to catch a good rhythm.”
The rust showed subtly: just one assist and two turnovers (influenced by pace and unfamiliarity with the system), only one rebound, with both blocks coming as help defense rather than paint dominance.
Still, the underlying trend was encouraging.
Second-Half Shift Signals Progress
Numbers told the story of adjustment:
- Minus-19 in seven first-half minutes
- Plus-15 in ten second-half minutes as timing and comfort improved
“First game with a new team, it’s always tricky,” Kerr said. “You don’t really know your teammates. You don’t really have a feel for what’s happening. But I thought just from the first half to the second half, he just looked more comfortable and settled in.”
Porzingis agreed:
“As the game went on, it got better and better. This is the first step to keep building. I had some opportunities, a couple of turnovers. I think it’s just a matter of time to get in a better rhythm from this point on.”
Jokić Test Awaits as Role Expands
Porzingis’ increased minutes arrive immediately with a major test: facing three-time MVP Nikola Jokić.
The matchup is a measuring stick not just for conditioning, but for how quickly Porzingis can shoulder responsibility as a scoring spacer and rim protector — roles the Warriors badly need without Curry.
Veteran big man Al Horford (who played with Porzingis in Boston) believes the best is yet to come:
“I think he’ll continue to progress and get his legs more underneath him and be able to play some more. Then we’ll see the real KP. For a first game after being out for so long, he did a really good job.”
Key Piece in Curry-Less Stretch – Could Force Draymond Decision
Golden State’s plan to expand Porzingis’ role reflects both confidence in his health and necessity amid Curry’s absence. The Warriors need frontcourt scoring, spacing, and rim protection — all areas Porzingis addresses when fully integrated.
If Porzingis continues progressing and reaches 20+ minutes consistently, it could force a major decision on Draymond Green’s role.
Green has returned to small-ball center in recent games — not overly effective, as Golden State has gone 2-4 in their last six without Curry. The 35-year-old has struggled outside a strong pre-break performance against San Antonio, with Kerr confirming Green is feeling Curry’s absence more than anyone.
If Porzingis is ready to start (or at least play major minutes) in the next three games (while Curry is re-evaluated in 10 days), it would make sense for Green to move back to the bench. He could return to the starting lineup once Curry is back, but without the superstar guard, Green simply isn’t as effective — and doesn’t need to be a guaranteed starter.
That shift would:
- Eliminate size issues with Green at center
- Create a more threatening offense (Porzingis’ three-level scoring shown Thursday)
- Allow young wings like Gui Santos (positive since Butler’s injury) and Moses Moody to stay in starting roles
- Potentially start Pat Spencer and De’Anthony Melton for backcourt creation
Green has already seen his role diminish — no longer guaranteed in closing lineups — making a bench move the natural next phase as he transitions into the latter part of his career.
Bottom Line
Porzingis’ debut was encouraging. His minutes are rising. Curry remains out. The Warriors are betting on the big man to grow quickly — and that growth could force a significant adjustment to Draymond Green’s role.
Warriors fans: Ready to see Porzingis start? Think moving Green to the bench makes sense without Curry? Comment your predictions below and share if you’re excited for Sunday vs. Denver! 🔵🟡🏀