Porzingis to Miss at Least Two More Weeks; Dallas Ends Flagg at Point; Shead Emerging for Raptors
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Kristaps Porzingis will remain out for a minimum of two additional weeks while he continues medical evaluations for an illness, league sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The Atlanta Hawks and the 28-year-old center are opting for a long-term approach, limiting him to light basketball activity during the period. Atlanta said another update will be issued after the two-week window.
Porzingis, who is owed $30.7 million for the 2025-26 season and could reach unrestricted free agency next summer, will miss his third consecutive game Sunday against Philadelphia. He had returned for one game earlier this month after previously sitting out four contests with the same illness.
Following a Dec. 5 loss to Denver, Porzingis ruled out a recurrence of the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome that sidelined him for a lengthy stretch last season. “I just wasn’t feeling too good,” he said. “But it’s not the same stuff from last season.” The earliest projected return date is Dec. 29 at Oklahoma City.
Mavericks Scrap Flagg Point-Guard Trial
The Dallas Mavericks have ended their early-season experiment of deploying 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg as the primary ball-handler. Although the move drew mixed reviews, Flagg told Mavs.com’s Eddie Sefko that the experience accelerated his development. “I’d never really played point guard before,” he said. “I learned a ton.”
Head coach Jason Kidd acknowledged that the decision was controversial but emphasized the organization’s long-term view. “This is an 18-year-old playing against the best players in the world,” Kidd said. “We’re playing the long game with him.”
Shead Drawing Praise in Toronto
Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead is beginning to attract wider attention. The Athletic’s John Hollinger listed Shead among seven undervalued players across the NBA, citing his impact relative to his contract. Known initially for his defense, the second-year guard has taken a noticeable step forward offensively.
Shead credited improved decision-making for his expanded role. “It’s about making reads,” he said. “Understanding the pace of the game and how to really create for my teammates.”
Source: Hoops Wire
