The Atlanta Hawks’ acquisition of Kristaps Porzingis aimed to enhance their playoff prospects, yet the towering forward has once again faced challenges with his health. Having missed 13 of the last 14 games due to illness, Porzingis will also be absent from Monday’s matchup against the Thunder. Reports suggest he will be evaluated on a day-to-day basis following this game, but the pivotal question remains if he can maintain his health throughout the season.
Porzingis’ name has surfaced in trade discussions as the February trade deadline approaches, particularly due to his expiring $30.7 million contract. With the Hawks holding a 15-18 record and currently positioned as a play-in team, they are eager to make impactful changes. Despite his health issues, when Porzingis is active, he has demonstrated his value, averaging 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 3.1 assists across the 13 games he has played this season. However, the recent bout of illness has hindered his performance and raises concerns about his long-term availability.
Porzingis’ health struggles might echo the issues he faced while playing for the Boston Celtics, where he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). His most recent appearance on December 5 showcased him coming off the bench for the first time since the 2016-17 season. Meanwhile, fellow big man Onyeka Okongwu has been having a breakout season, signaling a shift in focus towards younger players in the organization.
Porzingis was traded to the Hawks in a three-team deal during the summer, which was primarily motivated by financial reasons, allowing the Celtics to bring in Georges Niang. Atlanta had hopes for Porzingis as a dual-threat player to bolster their roster. However, the reality has been that his inconsistent presence might limit the team’s ambitions.
The Hawks are navigating a complex situation with their roster composition. While they aim to be competitive, rumors of potentially trading All-Star guard Trae Young are circulating. Although Young is an exceptional offensive player, his defensive shortcomings have raised questions about his fit within the team’s long-term vision. As the franchise stands at a significant crossroads, they may soon need to make pivotal decisions that could define their trajectory for the future.