Kristaps Porzingis out next two weeks due to an illness, will be further evaluated

Kristaps Porzingis Faces New Challenges: An Overview of His Health and Future with the Hawks

In a recent twist of events, Kristaps Porzingis, the 7-foot-3 Latvian center currently playing for the Atlanta Hawks, is set to miss two more weeks due to illness. This comes on the heels of a previously diagnosed condition known as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which kept him sidelined for much of the previous season when he was with Boston. The team made the announcement on December 14, 2025, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by Porzingis as he navigates his health while trying to establish himself as a pivotal player for the Hawks.

Porzingis has struggled with consistent play, missing six of the last seven games. His recent illness has raised questions about whether it’s linked to his POTS condition, although Porzingis himself has indicated that he does not believe this is the case. Despite his health hurdles, the center has managed to maintain an average of 19.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game over the season, although he has appeared in only 13 games thus far. As he takes time off for recovery and evaluation, fans and analysts alike are keenly interested in how his health and gameplay will affect the team dynamics moving forward.

Atlanta brought Porzingis to their roster in hopes of leveraging his skills as a rim protector and an effective pick-and-pop partner for star guard Trae Young. However, injuries to both players have meant they have only shared the court for a limited 51 minutes across three games, with the team’s performance during those moments showing a troubling -13 differential. The Hawks envisioned Porzingis as an essential part of their strategy, yet the current circumstances pose significant questions about his future role on the team.

Financially, Porzingis is a noteworthy investment for the Hawks, earning $30.7 million this season. He is set to become a free agent next summer, raising the stakes for the team as they contemplate potential contract extensions or trades. Meanwhile, rumors have begun swirling about Atlanta’s interest in trading for Anthony Davis of the Dallas Mavericks, a move that would represent a significant shift in the team’s strategy depending on Porzingis’ long-term health status and performance.

The uncertainty surrounding Porzingis has left the Hawks in a precarious position, particularly as they aim for postseason success. The team has been actively assessing various options as they weigh the potential impact of Porzingis’ health on their championship aspirations. As they evaluate their strategy, both the front office and coaching staff must remain agile, ready to adapt to changing circumstances while keeping an eye on the potential for future trades to fill any gaps in the roster.

Ultimately, the coming weeks will be critical for Kristaps Porzingis and the Atlanta Hawks. His health will determine not just his future contributions to the team this season, but also the broader implications for the franchise moving forward. As Atlanta navigates this complex situation, fans will be watching closely to see how Porzingis overcomes these hurdles and whether he can reclaim his spot as a key player in the Hawks’ lineup.