The Atlanta Hawks notably made a big splash this offseason, bolstering their roster with the likes of Kristaps Porzingis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard. Trae Young arguably has one of the deepest and most talented groups he has had around him in Atlanta, and the franchise is hoping that their star point guard will lead them to a deep playoff run.
Fans in Atlanta understandably have a few questions about the roster. One of those is the injury concerns surrounding Porzingis. The Latvian big man dealt with health issues throughout his Celtics tenure, missing large chunks of the season and the playoff run.
During the offseason, however, Porzingis has done everything he can to erase any doubt.
Hawks' Kristaps Porzingis Is Erasing All Doubts Around His Health During EuroBasket
Playing for his home country in FIBA EuroBasket, the 30-year-old center is looking healthy, mobile, and effective. Through five games of the tournament, Porzingis is averaging 17.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 26 minutes per game, leading his country to a 3-2 record in group play and a spot in the Round of 16.
Most importantly, however, it has been his durability that has impressed the most. Porzingis played back-to-back games against Estonia and Serbia (going up against Nikola Jokic) and has looked to be in good physical shape.
After starting the tournament slowly with a poor performance against Turkiye, Porzingis had his best games of the stretch in the last two outings, highlighting that he has played himself into form. While his three-point shot hasn't been falling, he has hit 20-of-25 of his two-point field goal attempts and gone to the free-throw line 6.6 times per game, suggesting his physicality and interior dominance.
Latvia will face off against Lithuania on Saturday at 11:30 a.m. ET, which will be a big test for Porzingis to showcase his recent form. If he continues, all signs point to good things for Atlanta's upcoming campaign.
Even though the 2025-26 NBA season hasn't started, Hawks fans are happy with what they have seen from Porzingis' international performance so far. Considering how general manager Onsi Saleh only gave up Terance Mann, Georges Niang, and the 22nd-overall pick in the trade to acquire him, Porzingis' summertime production already looks like a home run.