Kristaps Porzingis is back - and for the Atlanta Hawks, his return couldn’t come at a better time.
After missing 12 straight games with left Achilles tendinitis, the 7-foot-3 center has been upgraded to available for Tuesday’s road matchup against the Miami Heat. It’s a much-needed boost for a Hawks squad clinging to the 10th seed in the East and trying to build momentum heading into the final stretch before the All-Star break.
Porzingis, 30, has had a stop-and-start debut season in Atlanta since arriving via offseason trade. He’s appeared in just 17 games so far, and has only managed to suit up for more than two consecutive contests once.
In addition to the Achilles issue, he’s dealt with a minor right knee problem and some illness-related absences. It’s been a frustrating stretch, no doubt - but when he’s been on the floor, the impact has been undeniable.
In limited action, Porzingis is averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting a solid .457 from the field, .360 from deep, and .840 at the line. Those are efficient, well-rounded numbers, especially considering he’s logging just 24.3 minutes per night.
And his presence has translated to winning basketball: the Hawks post a +5.8 net rating with Porzingis on the court, compared to a -2.3 when he sits. That’s a swing that speaks volumes about his two-way value.
Porzingis’ return also comes with some added intrigue. He’s on an expiring $30.7 million contract, and his name has circulated in trade rumors throughout the season.
At one point, he was seen as a prime trade chip - and with the deadline looming, there’s still a chance he could be moved. Atlanta has reportedly kept the door cracked open on a potential Anthony Davis deal, and Porzingis would be a necessary piece in any such trade from a salary-matching standpoint.
That said, recent reporting suggests the Hawks may be cooling on the idea of making another big splash. After last month’s major move involving Trae Young, the front office appears to be shifting focus toward internal development and roster stability - unless a deal comes along that makes too much sense to pass up. In the case of Davis, that likely means the Mavericks would need to lower their asking price considerably.
So for now, Porzingis remains a Hawk - and if he can stay healthy, he could play a crucial role in keeping Atlanta in the postseason mix. The team currently sits at 24-27, just a half-game behind the ninth-place Bulls and one game ahead of the 11th-place Hornets. It’s a tightrope walk in the East’s play-in race, where every game - and every healthy body - matters.
Porzingis has the skill set to be a difference-maker down the stretch. The question is whether his body will let him. Tuesday in Miami will be the next test.