Kristaps Porzingis’ Impact on Hawks Amid Injury Concerns

ATLANTA, Georgia – Kristaps Porzingis, the former Boston Celtics center, is now playing for the Atlanta Hawks after a three-team trade in June. The Hawks, currently 1-3 in the 2025-26 season, are facing challenges with Porzingis missing two games due to flu-like symptoms.

In his limited action, Porzingis has proven to be an asset. His most recent performance came against the Chicago Bulls, where he scored 27 points and shot 11-of-17 from the field. This followed a strong debut for Atlanta, where he scored 20 points in a loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Despite his individual success, Porzingis’ history of injuries raises concerns. Celtics fans recall his frequent absences during his time in Boston, which could affect their views on his departure. However, many Boston supporters seem to have accepted his move, in part due to his championship contribution in the 2024 season.

As Porzingis approaches free agency, he may return to the Celtics on a minimum deal if he faces another injury-plagued season. Hawks coach Quin Snyder expressed hope for his return as the team prepares for a road trip later this week.

Porzingis’ struggles during the playoffs last season were reportedly due to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that can hinder heart rate regulation. This led to a poor postseason performance, averaging only 7.7 points per game.

Moving forward, the Hawks aim to improve as a team, hoping to leverage Porzingis’ skills within a strong roster that includes standout players like Trae Young. Their current focus remains on boosting their defensive effectiveness, which has been a persistent issue since the season’s start.