May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) shoots a free throw against the New York Knicks in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images David Butler II-Imagn Images

Kristaps Porzingis Bouncing Back After Celtics Playoff Health Concerns

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Justin Grasso | Last updated Aug 31, 2025 1:03 PM ET

Kristaps Porzingis dealt with health concerns while competing for the Boston Celtics a few months ago.

Although Porzingis appeared in six games during the second-round series against the New York Knicks, he was far from himself. Porzingis came off the bench for all but two of those matchups. His playing time was cut in half.

"I think my system just is not perfect right now,” Porzingis told reporters back in May. “It's not working the way it should be. Many, many weird things. Might be the best thing I need right now is just rest, get some sun, and let system kind of even itself out. It's definitely a very, very frustrating time for me."

In the second-round series between the Celtics and the Knicks, Porzingis averaged 16 minutes per game. He shot just 24 percent from the field, averaging 4.2 points per game. Along with his scoring, Porzingis produced four rebounds per matchup.

Just last season, Porzingis was playing for the Boston Celtics amid their championship run. He averaged 12 points, four rebounds, and two blocks in seven games. It was his third playoff run, which resulted in his first NBA Championship victory.

Heading into the offseason, it was clear the Celtics would look to potentially offload Porzingis’ contract in the trade market. The veteran center ended up in a trade to the Atlanta Hawks.

While Porzingis’ health concerns later in the year might’ve been something Hawks fans were questioning, his performance at EuroBasket is offering plenty of optimism moving forward.

Porzingis’ EuroBasket Stats

vs Turkey: 10 PTS, 4 REB, 1 AST

vs Estonia: 26 PTS, 7 REB, 1 AST

vs Serbia: 14 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST

Ahead of the EuroBasket tournament, Porzingis spoke on his health, offering up a promising update after getting some rest after the playoffs.

Look at how Kristaps Porzingis is moving, man pic.twitter.com/PO6BmJdDCW
— Point Made Basketball (@pointmadebball) August 30, 2025

“I feel fantastic, to be honest,” the former fourth overall pick said, via BasketNews. “I took time to rest after the season. Something was lingering during the playoffs — I had fatigue, dizziness, even moments where I felt like I might faint. It wasn’t great.”

“In June, I fully rested and lowered the intensity. All of that has gone away. I haven’t felt any of the playoff symptoms anymore. I feel great and ready to join the national team. Super happy,” he added.

Porzingis, 30, joined the NBA as the fourth-overall pick in 2015.

He played for the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, and soon, the Atlanta Hawks. Last year, Porzingis averaged 20 points, seven rebounds, and two assists with the Celtics. He’s expected to continue playing a key role for the Hawks.