Anshari TaslimAtlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porziņģis is slated to be sidelined for a minimum of two weeks to undergo further evaluation for an unspecified illness, a development that casts uncertainty over the team’s immediate future and raises concerns about the star’s long-term health. The 30-year-old Latvian international has already missed six of the Hawks’ last seven games due to the ailment, prompting the organization to prioritize a comprehensive medical assessment over his immediate return to play. While the exact nature of his current condition remains undisclosed, the Hawks’ medical staff is working to identify the root cause, aiming for a definitive resolution that ensures the player’s well-being for the remainder of the season and beyond.
Porziņģis’ absence comes at a critical juncture for the Atlanta Hawks, who are currently navigating a competitive Eastern Conference. As of mid-December, the Hawks hold a record of 13-11, positioning them precariously in the playoff picture. His consistent presence on both ends of the court has been a cornerstone of their strategy under head coach Quin Snyder. When healthy, Porziņģis has been averaging 21.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game this season, while shooting an efficient 48.5% from the field and 38.1% from beyond the arc. His unique blend of interior scoring, rim protection, and floor-spacing capabilities is integral to the Hawks’ offensive flow and defensive scheme. In his absence, the team has leaned heavily on fellow big men Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, who have seen increased minutes and responsibilities. The next two weeks will see the Hawks face a challenging schedule, including matchups against formidable opponents such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Philadelphia 76ers, and Denver Nuggets, making Porziņģis’ court-side absence particularly impactful.
This current health setback is not an isolated incident in Porziņģis’ career, which has been punctuated by various injuries and health concerns. Notably, during the 2025 NBA playoffs, while still a pivotal member of the Boston Celtics, the then 29-year-old dealt with a "mystery illness" that significantly hampered his performance. During that postseason run, Porziņģis openly discussed his struggles with profound lethargy and impaired breathing, stating at the time, "The breathing wasn’t good. I did everything I could potentially to feel as good as I could, but my engine wasn’t running the way I wanted." Despite his efforts to play through the condition, his output was markedly diminished. In Boston’s second-round series loss to the New York Knicks, Porziņģis mustered only 25 total points across the series, a stark contrast to his regular-season contributions. He was limited to fewer than 15 minutes of play in four of the six games, visibly struggling with endurance and effectiveness on the court. The Celtics, a team with championship aspirations, felt the profound impact of their key big man operating at a fraction of his capacity, ultimately falling short of their goals.
The underlying cause of his 2025 playoff struggles was later identified in the offseason. Porziņģis was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), an autonomic nervous system disorder. POTS is characterized by an abnormal increase in heart rate that occurs after sitting up or standing, often accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and brain fog. This occurs because blood does not evenly distribute across the body upon standing, leading to a reduction in blood flow to the brain and other organs. For an elite athlete, particularly one requiring sustained bursts of high-intensity activity and extensive travel, a condition like POTS presents unique and formidable challenges. The constant demands of an NBA season, including rigorous training, frequent cross-country flights, and high-stakes competition, can exacerbate symptoms and complicate management.
Related News :
- Is this LeBron James’ last season? Lakers star unsure about retirement timeline
- AFC East Rivalry, Top-10 College Hoops, and Key Conference Showdowns Highlight Thursday’s Sports Action
- New Orleans Pelicans Opt for Coaching Change Amidst Dismal Start, James Borrego Assumes Interim Role
- College Basketball Bluebloods Collide in Early December Showdown; NBA Slate Features Marquee Matchups
- Use DraftKings promo code to get $300 bonus bets, free NBA League Pass by picking Bulls vs. 76ers on Tuesday
Following his POTS diagnosis, Porziņģis collaborated closely with medical specialists to develop a comprehensive management strategy. This regimen typically involves a multi-faceted approach, including dietary adjustments such as a high-salt diet to help increase blood volume, increased fluid intake, specific exercise protocols tailored to improve cardiovascular conditioning without overexertion, and sometimes medication. His diligent adherence to these protocols appeared to yield positive results. Over the subsequent summer, Porziņģis showcased a significant return to form while representing the Latvian national team at EuroBasket. In six games, he demonstrated his customary dominance, averaging an impressive 20.2 points and 8.7 rebounds, leading Latvia to a respectable finish and signaling to the NBA world that he had successfully managed his condition. His robust performance during the international tournament offered a strong indication that the strategies employed were effective, allowing him to perform at an elite level without the debilitating symptoms he experienced previously.
However, the recent turn of events suggests a new chapter in his health journey. After returning from a four-game absence earlier in December, Porziņģis scored 25 points in the Hawks’ Dec. 5 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Following that game, he addressed the media, expressing his belief that his current illness is distinct from the POTS he battled previously. "No, I wouldn’t say it’s the same thing," Porziņģis stated, offering a glimmer of relief that his known condition was under control. He elaborated on his current state, saying, "I just wasn’t feeling too good, honestly. Just not being healthy healthy, you know? But I wouldn’t say it’s the same stuff from last season, so that’s good. I think I kind of put that behind me even this summer playing for the national team, but anyway, just catching whatever it’s frustrating, you know? I want to be healthy. And I will be healthy." His comments underscore the mental and physical toll that recurring health issues can take on an athlete, highlighting his determination to overcome this latest obstacle. The Hawks’ medical team, in conjunction with external specialists, is now tasked with thoroughly evaluating this new onset of symptoms to provide a precise diagnosis and an effective treatment plan.
The Hawks’ front office and coaching staff have consistently expressed support for Porziņģis, emphasizing the long-term perspective regarding his health and career. His current contract, which runs through the 2026-27 season, underscores his importance as a foundational piece for the franchise. When fully healthy, Porziņģis brings a unique skill set to the NBA. Standing at 7-foot-3, he is a formidable presence as a rim protector, altering shots and grabbing defensive rebounds. Offensively, his ability to space the floor out to the three-point line, coupled with his post-up game and mid-range proficiency, makes him a versatile scoring threat. His two-way impact is crucial for a Hawks team striving for consistent playoff contention. The hope within the organization and among the fanbase is that the ongoing evaluations will lead to a swift and definitive diagnosis, enabling Porziņģis to return to full health and consistently contribute to the Hawks’ pursuit of success. The next two weeks will be critical in shedding light on the nature of his current condition and determining his path back to the court.
💬 Tinggalkan Komentar dengan Facebook
Author Profile
Latest entries
NBADecember 15, 2025NFC Playoff Race Heats Up as Cowboys Face Vikings on Dec. 14, Headlining Busy Sunday of NBA, NHL, and CBB Action.- NBADecember 15, 2025Kristaps Porziņģis to Miss Next Two Weeks as Atlanta Hawks Investigate Lingering Health Issues
- NBADecember 14, 2025Expert Consensus: Knicks and Thunder Predicted to Advance in High-Stakes NBA Cup Semifinals in Las Vegas
- NBADecember 14, 2025Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs Set for High-Stakes 2025 NBA Cup Semifinal Showdown in Las Vegas.
arthur roy sitompul
rifan muazin
Jonas Leo
Ali Akbar Rosady