Wed Oct 22 21:30:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Kristaps Porziņģis, now with the Atlanta Hawks, is managing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that significantly impacted his performance during the Boston Celtics’ playoff run last spring. POTS causes an increased heart rate upon standing, leading to fatigue and other symptoms. Despite the challenges, Porziņģis is optimistic about managing the condition through diet, rest, and exercise, and he expects to perform well for the Hawks this season after playing with the Latvian national team during Eurobasket this summer without any problems.

News Article:

Porziņģis Battles POTS, Eyes Impactful Season with Hawks

Atlanta, GA – Kristaps Porziņģis, the Atlanta Hawks’ new acquisition, is determined to make a significant impact this season despite battling Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), a condition that hampered his performance with the Boston Celtics during the playoffs last spring.

POTS, an autonomic condition, causes a dramatic increase in heart rate upon standing, leading to debilitating fatigue and other symptoms. Porziņģis described the condition as hitting him “like a truck,” leaving him unable to run for extended periods during the Celtics’ playoff run, a stark contrast to his regular-season performance where he averaged 20 points, seven rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game.

“The breathing wasn’t good. I did everything I could potentially to feel as good as I could, but my engine wasn’t running the way I wanted,” Porziņģis told The Athletic. He explained how simply standing up would cause his heart rate to spike to 130 beats per minute, sapping his energy.

Despite the challenges, Porziņģis is optimistic about managing POTS through lifestyle adjustments. He played with the Latvian national team during Eurobasket this summer without any problems, and is focused on a high-salt diet, a more regimented non-basketball resting schedule, and regular exercise, all recommended treatments for the condition. While there is no specific medication for POTS, Porziņģis and his doctors are confident in their management strategy.

The Hawks open their 2025-26 season tonight at home against the Toronto Raptors, and Porziņģis is expected to start. Fans are eager to see how the star forward performs as he navigates this health challenge while aiming to contribute to the Hawks’ success.

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