Illness Delays Kristaps Porzingis’ Comeback; Hawks Center to Miss 13th Straight Game
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Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis was ruled out of Tuesday night’s road game against the Miami Heat after coming down with an illness, the club announced Tuesday evening. The late setback postpones his return and extends his absence to 13 consecutive games.
Earlier in the day, Porzingis had been upgraded to “available” as he continued to work back from left Achilles tendinitis that sidelined him for the previous 12 contests. The 30-year-old had not played since Jan. 5.
Season disrupted by multiple health issues
Acquired in an offseason trade, Porzingis opened the year as Atlanta’s starting center but has appeared in only 17 games. He has managed to log more than two straight outings just once all season while dealing with Achilles soreness, a minor right knee problem and separate illnesses.
When he has been on the floor, the 7-foot-3 big man has averaged 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.3 blocks across 24.3 minutes, shooting 45.7% from the field, 36.0% from three-point range and 84.0% at the foul line. Atlanta owns a +5.8 net rating with him in the lineup, compared with –2.3 when he sits.
Contract status and trade chatter
Porzingis is playing on an expiring $30.7 million contract, making him a potential trade chip ahead of next week’s deadline. League sources have indicated he would be necessary in any Hawks proposal for Lakers forward Anthony Davis, though reports suggest Atlanta will consider such a move only if Los Angeles lowers its asking price.
The Hawks (24-27) enter Tuesday’s action in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, holding the final play-in spot. They trail the ninth-place Chicago Bulls by a half-game and lead the 11th-place Charlotte Hornets by one game.
Source: Hoops Rumors
