It has been a frustrating first season in the "Peach State" for Kristaps Porzingis. The Boston Celtics' former center is productive when he's in the lineup. He's generating 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game. The former All-Star is also knocking down 36.4 percent of the 5.1 threes he's hoisting.
Unfortunately, it's the Atlanta Hawks' turn to experience what it's like to ride the roller coaster that comes with leaning on a player with durability concerns. It's something the Celtics know well.
Porzingis helped them win an NBA title, but also saw injuries and illness limit him in both of his playoff runs in Boston. To his credit, he returned to play a starring role in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals, then helped the hosts capture banner 18 with a win on the TD Garden parquet in Game 5.
Is Kristaps Porzingis in for a role change?
Now, his new team is navigating that duality. Porzingis has appeared in 13 of Atlanta's 27 tilts. Currently, he is trying to move on from an illness he says is unrelated to the one that sapped his energy during his final playoff run with the Celtics.
"No, I wouldn't say it's the same thing," recently voiced Porzingis, per Kevin Chouinard of Hawks.com. "I just wasn't feeling too good, honestly. Just not being healthy, healthy, you know? But I wouldn't say it's the same stuff from last season, so that's good.
"I think I kind of put that behind me, even this summer playing for the national team, but anyway, just catching whatever, it's frustrating, you know? I want to be healthy. And I will be healthy."
The seven-foot-two center is day-to-day as he reconditions himself to rejoin the lineup. When he does, after starting in 12 of 13 appearances, he may have to move to the bench.
"Obviously, it's not what I love, you know?" said Porzingis, regarding his potential role change, per Chouinard. "But I think it makes sense in limited minutes, and I will do whatever is best for the team. When I say those words, I really mean it. I'm here just to help this team win."
It's a sign of a selfless player who is willing to acknowledge the reality of his situation. The Hawks are also searching for a spark. They're 14-11 this season. That places a team hailed as one of the offseason's winners at ninth in the East.
Fortunately for them, the conference standings are congested. Atlanta is just three games behind the second-seeded New York Knicks. If Porzingis can stay healthy, whether he has to adapt to coming off the bench or not, his early-season production already indicates the role he could play in vaulting the Hawks up the standings.