The Atlanta Hawks made a big splash in the offseason by trading for former Boston Celtics championship-winning center Kristaps Porzingis. It's a move intended to transform both the offense and defense and should set the Hawks on a path that could result in an NBA Finals appearance, particularly given how effective he's been in a dual-threat shooting role in recent years.
Porzingis could transform Atlanta's offense with Trae Young as a prototypical pick-and-roll lob threat with some pick-and-pop juice as well. There are other pieces that will determine how far this team will go, but the biggest question mark is the Latvian star.
It's hard to find a player of his caliber, but unfortunately, it suddenly sounds like Porzingis isn't ruling out a career overseas.
Kristaps Porzingis gets flashy with the high-low entry pass đź‘€
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New Hawks C Kristaps Porzingis Doesn't Rule Out Return to Overseas Basketball
In a new interview reported by Hoops Hype, Porzingis sounds interested in playing overseas, particularly in Greece.
“Sure, sure, why not?” Porzingis said when asked if he could see himself playing in Europe again. “I mean, I haven’t really given it too much thought, but just seeing some of the clubs here in Greece, you know, the atmosphere here for the games and stuff would be a really, really unbelievable atmosphere to play in.”
He has a strong point regarding the atmosphere. It's considered one of the most fun places to play in the world, and Porzingis would certainly be beloved. At the same time, it's almost impossible to imagine the Hawks letting him walk for pennies on the dollar after trading a haul for him.
Just in the last few years, Porzingis has become one of the best centers in the NBA. He has 10 consecutive seasons averaging over 18 points per game while being a stout rebounder and defensive stalwart with outside-shooting ability. This is someone who can positively contribute in a massive way toward a championship, and Atlanta would be foolish to let him go.
We'll see if he makes good on these claims, but for now, Hawks fans should be scared that the trade is a rental and not representative of a long-term commitment.