Warriors’ Steve Kerr calls Kristaps Porzingis’ absence ‘definitely concerning’

The Warriors built their frontcourt with Kristaps Porzingis in mind. They’re still waiting to see when he can join it.

Porzingis remains sidelined indefinitely with an unspecified health issue, leaving coach Steve Kerr concerned about his starting center and sorting through alternatives.

“We want him back,” Kerr said, via Monte Poole of NBC Sports Bay Area. “He’s a really talented player, and so we thought that he was in a pretty good place. So … definitely concerning.”

Kerr said the Warriors will provide medical and emotional support while awaiting his return. Porzingis missed training camp and has yet to appear in the preseason.

His absence complicates Golden State’s plans to spread the floor with shooting at all five positions.

“We were going to play this way anyway,” Kerr said, “but it’s absolutely enhanced by a shooting center. And it’s one of the reasons we traded for him. It’s one of the reasons we signed Al Horford last year. The ability to space the defense out, it just changes everything.”

Horford started the preseason opener but was ruled out Tuesday against the Lakers after a pregame workout. Draymond Green started at center, a position Kerr has wanted to use him at less frequently.

That could create an opening for rookie Yaxel Lendeborg, who finished with 17 points and nine rebounds in Golden State’s 124-98 win.

“If he’s a 5, we’ve got the ability to spread the floor,” Kerr said. “He can put it on the floor, we can put shooters with him, and it could be a pretty dynamic offensive lineup.”

The other end remains a question.

“But you have to be able to get stops,” Kerr added. “We’ve got to figure out can we do that. Sometimes, we might have to do it out of necessity this year. We’ll see.”