Kristaps Porzingis is now an Atlanta Hawk, but the veteran big man admits he thought he was headed somewhere else this summer.
After the season, I spoke to my agent and kind of expected that one or more of us would be traded, Porzingis said via Basketnews. For a while, I thought I might end up with the Spurs, but then Atlanta came in, and that was a nice surprise. It was out of my hands.
The Hawks landed Kristaps in a three-team deal with Boston after the Celtics postseason ended in disappointment.
Boston fell in the second round, and Jayson Tatum suffered a serious Achilles injury, leaving the roster facing major changes.
A potential pairing of Porzingis and Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio would have been a nightmare frontcourt for opponents, but instead, Atlanta swooped in. At seven-foot-two, Porzingis brings floor spacing and rim protection, two things the Hawks were looking for this offseason. With Onyeka Okongwu already in the rotation, they wont need to overload Porzingis with minutes, which could help him stay healthy.
Health has been the biggest question mark in his career. Over the past two seasons, he hasnt been able to play more than 60 games. But heading into EuroBasket, Porzingis says he finally feels like himself again.
I feel fantastic, to be honest, Porzingis 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 wasnt great.
In June, I fully rested and lowered the intensity. All of that has gone away. I havent felt any of the playoff symptoms anymore. I feel great and ready to join the national team. Super happy.
READ MORE: VJ Edgecombe Gets Real on His Beef With Cooper Flagg
