Kristaps Porzingis has revealed that he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that affected his performance during the Boston Celtics’ 2025 playoff run.
The Athletic reported that Porzingis, who looked noticeably fatigued during the postseason, learned of the diagnosis after struggling to maintain his usual energy levels. “It hit me and it hit me like a truck,” Porzingis told The Athletic. “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.”
Porzingis was a key contributor for Boston during the 2023–24 championship season, averaging 20 points, seven rebounds, and nearly two blocks per game. However, his performance dropped sharply the following spring, and he was visibly limited in the second-round series against the New York Knicks, where the Celtics were eliminated.
Doctors later determined that the 30-year-old center was suffering from POTS, a disorder that affects the autonomic nervous system. The condition causes an abnormal increase in heart rate when standing up, often leading to dizziness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
While POTS can be long-lasting, it is typically manageable through treatment plans that include medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments. Many patients recover or see major improvements with consistent management.
Porzingis said the diagnosis brought clarity to his sudden health decline. “My engine wasn’t running the way I wanted,” he said, emphasizing that he has since made a full recovery.
The Latvian big man returned to action this summer with his national team at EuroBasket 2025, where he averaged 20.2 points and 8.7 rebounds across six games. He showed no signs of the condition that hampered him in the NBA playoffs, including a dominant 34-point, 19-rebound performance against Lithuania.
Earlier in the offseason, Porzingis was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal involving the Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. The trade, first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania, sent Georges Niang to Boston and Terance Mann to Brooklyn.
Porzingis is expected to start for Atlanta when the Hawks open their 2025–26 campaign at home against the Toronto Raptors. Team sources have indicated there are no current health concerns, and the forward is fully cleared to play.
