Warriors still believe in Kristaps Porzingis despite illness

The Golden State Warriors are not backing off their bet on Kristaps Porzingis. Even if the big man has barely been able to play.

Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. told ESPN the team still views Porzingis as part of its long-term plans despite an illness that has sidelined him for six straight games.

“We see him as more than a rental,” Dunleavy said. “We feel he can help our team this year and moving forward.”

Porzingis, 30, has been dealing with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, a condition that can cause dizziness, rapid heart rate and chronic fatigue.

The illness surfaced shortly after his Warriors debut on Feb. 19.

Just three days later, Porzingis reportedly woke up sick at his San Francisco hotel and was unable to travel to the arena for a game against the Denver Nuggets. He has rarely been seen publicly since.

Golden State acquired Porzingis at the trade deadline in a deal that sent Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Atlanta Hawks.

The Warriors say they were comfortable with the medical outlook before completing the move.

Meanwhile, injuries have piled up elsewhere. Stephen Curry remains out with a knee issue and Jimmy Butler suffered a torn ACL earlier this year.