Porzingis Reveals POTS, Traded to Hawks

Kristaps Porzingis was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Atlanta Hawks this offseason and revealed to The Athletic that he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). POTS, an autonomic disorder that can cause a rapid heart rate, dizziness and extreme fatigue on standing, helps explain his mysterious late-season collapse when he missed games with a reported “viral” illness, was limited in the playoffs (85 total points in 11 games) and experienced heart-rate spikes to around 130 bpm on standing. There is no cure, but doctors have devised a non-drug management plan for Porzingis that includes a high-salt diet and regimented rest to preserve energy. Porzingis played for Latvia at EuroBasket this summer without issue and is expected to make his Atlanta debut Wednesday against the Toronto Raptors. If that regimen holds, the 7-foot-plus stretch big and rim protector could give Atlanta a different offensive dynamic alongside Trae Young and help the Hawks push back into Eastern Conference contention.