Kristaps Porzingis Reveals Future Plan Despite Concerning Illness

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated May 17, 2025 1:32 AM ET

It wasn't a pretty ending to the 2024-25 NBA season for Kristaps Porzingis and the Boston Celtics, falling to the New York Knicks 4-2 in the second round of the NBA Playoffs.

On Friday, the Celtics were handed a 119-81 Game 6 loss, sending the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.

But Boston's concerns go beyond the postseason elimination. Just a few days ago, Jayson Tatum underwent surgery for a ruptured Achilles, an injury that could very well keep him out all of next season.

Porzingis had also been dealing with an illness over the past few weeks, one that made him a shell of himself during the Knicks series, unable to breathe at times.

Regardless, Porzingis still plans on playing basketball over the Summer. Not necessarily for the Celtics, but for his home country of Latvia.

Following the Game 6 loss, Porzingis addressed the media with his Boston future up in the air. Per Boston Globe's Gary Washburn, the 7-foot-3 star, despite his illness, revealed his plan to play in August's EuroBasket, an international tournament for national teams in Europe.

"Kristaps Porzingis said he still plans to play in EuroBasket beginning in late August for Latvia," Washburn wrote on X.

Kristaps Porzingis said he still plans to play in EuroBasket beginning in late August for Latvia. #Celtics
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) May 17, 2025

Porzingis was also asked if he has long-term concerns with his illness, admitting he wasn't sure.

“I’m not sure," Porzingis added. "I don’t think so. I always try to downplay it in my own mind. It’s like I’m good, I’m good, I’m good, but…my system is not perfect right now. It’s not working the way it should be... The best thing I need right now is just to rest."

In the Game 6 loss, Porzingis was replaced by Luke Kornet in the starting lineup. He still managed just 11 minutes, tallying four points and five rebounds.

The Celtics now have some big decisions to make regarding their future, especially with trade rumors already heating up. For all we know, Porzingis could have played his final game in green.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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