Kristaps Porzingis to Miss Two Weeks as Hawks Take Long-Term Approach to His Health
Just as the Atlanta Hawks got a boost with Trae Young returning to practice, they’re now facing a different kind of challenge-one involving their star big man, Kristaps Porzingis. The 7-foot-3 forward/center will be sidelined for the next two weeks due to illness, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. It’s a setback that comes with some history, but also with a clear message: the Hawks and Porzingis are playing the long game.
Porzingis has already missed seven of Atlanta’s last eight games, including the last two straight. And while any extended absence from a player of his caliber is cause for concern, this one is being handled with caution and a focus on the bigger picture. Both the team and Porzingis are aligned in prioritizing his long-term health over short-term availability.
This isn’t the first time Porzingis has dealt with health issues tied to illness. During his stint with the Boston Celtics last season, he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that affects the autonomic nervous system and can lead to symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, and irregular heart rate. It’s a tricky diagnosis, especially for a professional athlete, but Porzingis and his medical team reportedly found ways to manage the condition over the summer.
He entered the season with the Hawks in good shape, showing no signs of lingering effects. But this recent illness has forced the team to hit pause again. The plan is for Porzingis to undergo further evaluations during this two-week stretch, with everyone involved keeping an eye on the long-term impact rather than rushing him back onto the court.
Before this latest setback, Porzingis was putting together a solid campaign in his first season with Atlanta. Through 13 games, he’s averaging 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per contest, while shooting an efficient 49.7% from the field and 36.4% from three. Those numbers speak to the versatility and offensive skill set he brings to the table-stretching the floor, protecting the rim, and serving as a key cog in the Hawks’ frontcourt.
If the timeline holds, Porzingis could return as early as December 29, when Atlanta faces the Oklahoma City Thunder. That would mean missing seven more games, including a high-profile matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.
The Hawks are clearly being intentional here. With a long season ahead and playoff aspirations in mind, it makes sense to take every precaution with a player as important-and as uniquely talented-as Porzingis. His presence changes the geometry of the floor on both ends, and Atlanta knows they’ll need him at full strength when it matters most.
For now, it’s about patience and perspective. The Hawks will have to navigate the next stretch without their star big, but if it means a healthier Porzingis down the road, it’s a trade-off worth making.