Kristaps Porzingis disclosed he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) following a mysterious illness that severely limited his performance during the Boston Celtics’ second-round playoff exit last season. The 7-foot-3 center shared the diagnosis in a recent conversation with The Athletic after being traded to the Atlanta Hawks in June.
Porzingis averaged more than 19 points during the regular season but managed only 25 total points across six Eastern Conference semifinal games. The autonomic condition dramatically increased his heart rate when standing, causing extreme exhaustion that left him unable to run for extended stretches.
“It hit me, and it hit me like a truck,” Porzingis said. “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.”
In his worst moments, Porzingis’ heart rate could spike to 130 beats per minute simply from standing up. The condition remained undiagnosed throughout Boston’s playoff run, leaving him searching for answers.
“You know how people say, ‘Oh, I’m so fatigued.’ I’ve never used those words. I don’t even like to speak in those terms, but I really was like that,” Porzingis said. “At that time, I could just lay on the couch and be a house cat.”
Post-diagnosis, Porzingis and his doctors have developed a management plan requiring no special medication. A high-salt diet and regimented non-basketball resting schedule are essential components. He played for Latvia during Eurobasket this summer without issue.
The Hawks acquired Porzingis from Boston in a multi-team deal involving Brooklyn. Atlanta sent Terrence Mann, Georges Niang, the No. 22 pick and a second-rounder to complete the transaction. Porzingis is entering the final year of his contract and is eligible for an extension.
“We are an aspiring team, a young team that aspires to win a championship one day, and that’s the cool part,” Porzingis said. “Even by the betting odds, we’re not too far off.”