Kristaps Porziņģis Aims for Strong NBA Season After Health Scare

ATLANTA, Ga. — Kristaps Porziņģis is set to make an impact with the Atlanta Hawks this NBA season after overcoming a significant health issue that affected his performance last spring. Diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, or POTS, he struggled with energy during the Boston Celtics’ playoff run, leading to an early exit.

Porziņģis was a critical player for the Celtics during the regular season, averaging 20 points, seven rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game. However, by the second round of the playoffs, he was unable to execute at that level due to his condition. ‘It hit me like a truck,’ Porziņģis told The Athletic’s Fred Katz. ‘The breathing wasn’t good.’ Despite his challenges, he feels confident heading into the new season after a successful summer with the Latvian national team.

POTS is a condition affecting 1-3 million people in the United States, characterized by an excessive heart rate increase upon standing. Symptoms include dizziness and fatigue, which greatly impacted Porziņģis. ‘At that time, I could just lay on the couch and be a house cat,’ he reflected. With proper dietary changes and a focus on managing his condition, he feels ready for the upcoming season.

Now with the Hawks, Porziņģis aims to prove his worth as a player capable of transforming the team’s dynamic. The Hawks plan to open the 2025-26 season against the Toronto Raptors, where Porziņģis is expected to start, bringing his ability to shoot long-range and protect the rim to Atlanta’s revised lineup.

The Hawks recently underwent a significant roster overhaul and are anticipated to perform well as they strive to distance themselves from recent playoff disappointments. The objective for Porziņģis is clear: show that the playoff struggles were due to his health and not a decline in capability. ‘We are an aspiring team, a young team that aspires to win a championship one day,’ he stated.