Kristaps Porzingis Reveals POTS Diagnosis; Heat’s Herro Defers Extension Talks; Bridges Targets Turnaround in Charlotte
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Atlanta — Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis said a rare heart-rate disorder was behind the exhaustion that hampered him late last season and during the playoffs.
Porzingis told The Athletic he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that accelerates the heart when a person stands or sits upright. Untreated, it can trigger extreme fatigue and dizziness.
“I could just lay on the couch and be a house cat,” Porzingis recalled. Since the diagnosis, he has relied on a high-salt diet and scheduled rest — without medication — and now feels “like himself again.”
The 7-foot-3 big man added that his June trade from the Celtics to the Hawks caught him off guard; his representation had been monitoring possible moves to the Clippers, Spurs and Suns. “We are an aspiring team, a young team that aspires to win a championship one day,” he said, noting that betting odds show Atlanta “not too far off.”
Herro plans to revisit deal in 2026
Miami — Heat guard Tyler Herro entered the season without a contract extension but said he is comfortable waiting. Speaking to the Miami Herald, the 24-year-old stressed that his focus remains on playing his “best basketball” before returning to the negotiating table next summer.
Herro’s formal window to discuss a new deal reopens on July 1, 2026 and runs through June 30, 2027, giving both sides ample time.
Bridges seeks winning season in Charlotte
Charlotte — Hornets forward Miles Bridges, the team’s longest-tenured player, said he is determined to bring consistent victories to Spectrum Center.
“I’m happy to be here. I’m just hoping to reward the city with some wins,” Bridges told the Charlotte Observer. Individual statistics, he added, now take a back seat to defense, rebounding and scoring in ways that directly impact the standings. “I feel like I can do it all,” he said.
The 25-year-old believes “this is the year” Charlotte can turn the corner.
Source: Hoops Wire
