Ex-Celtics Kristaps Porzingis Opens Up About His Health Issues In The Playoffs
The Boston Celtics didn’t get much contribution from Kristaps Porzingis during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Porzingis endured a tough postseason due to a health issue that was described as effects from a viral illness he had in March.
Despite what happened in the playoffs, Porzingis worked on his health this offseason following his trade to the Atlanta Hawks. He was cleared to play for Latvia at the 2025 EuroBasket, leading them to the Round of 16.
After Latvia’s 88-79 loss to Lithuania on Saturday, the former Celtic spoke to HoopsHype and was asked about his health. Porzingis confirmed that he’s doing better now, but it was frustrating for him being unable to contribute in the playoffs.
“You cannot imagine how frustrating it was, you know, to be in the playoffs and not have the gas inside of you that you know you usually have. And it’s just hard for you, not only physically where you’re pushing yourself, but you don’t have it. But as you said, like, it’s just frustrating. It’s so frustrating. and um, so yeah. but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, no? And I kind of took that as, okay, like, I have this problem with my hands now and how can I solve it, you know?” Porzingis said.
In six games for Latvia at the EuroBasket, Porzingis averaged 20.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.7 steals. He had 34 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks in their loss to Lithuania.
Kristaps Porzingis Feeling Good Again
Based on his performances at the EuroBasket, Kristaps Porzingis is back to his old self. Porzingis told HoopsHype that his gas tank has returned, and it’s more about his mentality entering his 30s.
“I’ve been doing things to improve my health, to feel good again. And I would say my gas tank is back up there. And I’m 30 years old now, so getting a little bit old, but not too old. I feel like now are the best years for a basketball player to play high-level basketball, where your, mental is at a high level, your game, you know how you read the game, is at a high level, and physically also you’re there,” Porzingis said.
The 30-year-old big man will be teaming up alongside Trae Young, Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson. It’s unclear if he’s going to be the starting center following Clint Capela‘s departure in free agency. Onyeka Okongwu had the best year of his career last season, though he could play as a power forward.
Hawks Situation Better Than The Celtics
With Jayson Tatum likely out for all of next season, the Atlanta Hawks might be in a better position to succeed in the East than the Boston Celtics. Kristaps Porzingis discussed his trade from Boston to Atlanta before the EuroBasket, explaining why he’s in a better situation.
“I think expectations are high. Atlanta’s been on the edge of the playoffs the last few years, sometimes getting through the first round. It’s a great situation for me to come in and contribute. Maybe even better than Boston, where it was championship or bust,” Porziņgis said on July 28, as translated by CBS Sports.
The Celtics also traded Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in the offseason, opting to get out of the second apron.
Eagles Make Shocking Deal For ‘Underrated, Underused’ AFC South RB
For much of the offseason we’ve wondered what Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman was going to do with a war chest of draft picks accumulated over the last few years.
The answer has been — pretty much anything he wants.
Roseman’s wheeling and dealing stayed at an electric pace following Philadelphia’s Week 1 win over the Dallas Cowboys, with the Eagles sending a 2025 fifth round pick and 2025 sixth round pick to the Jacksonville Jaguars in exchange for third year running back Tank Bigsby.
“Trade: Jaguars are sending RB Tank Bigsby to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for 2026 fifth- and sixth-round picks, per sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on September 8.
Bigsby creates a crowded running backs room in Philadelphia with reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year Saquon Barkley, A.J. Dillon and Will Shipley already on the roster.
Bigsby was a grossly underrated and underused weapon last season in Jacksonville with 820 yards of total offense and 7 touchdowns in 16 games with just 1 start while playing behind Travis Etienne.
‘Underrated’ RB Shined During SEC Days
Bigsby, 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds, was the SEC Freshman of the Year in 2020 with 918 yards of total offense and 5 touchdowns for Auburn. He earned All-SEC honors each of the next 2 seasons as he racked up over 1,100 yards of offense each year and 10 touchdowns in both 2021 and 2022.
Bigsby finished his college career with an impressive 3,354 yards of total offense and 25 touchdowns in 3 seasons before leaving school early for the NFL. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds at the NFL scouting combine and the Jaguars selected him in the third round (No. 88 overall) in the 2023 NFL draft.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein actually predicted Bigsby might shine in a “Dynamic Duo” sort of backfield in the NFL in his pre-draft evaluation.
“Fumbling has been a concern in the past, and he might not be much help on third downs or special teams,” Zierlein wrote in 2023. “His size, creativity and quickness could create an opportunity for teams to pair Bigsby with another back to form an effective tandem in a zone-scheme rushing attack.”
Eagles Backfield Could Be Moveable Object
Shipley was effective in a backup role to Barkley against the Cowboys with 3 carries for 26 yards but was forced to leave the game with a rib injury — he might not be right physically to play in Week 2 against the Chiefs.
Dillon, a free agent signee, wasn’t effective awhen he had the ball with 3 carries for 10 yards — he just might not be the right fight.
Enter Bigsby, who could thrive in his first chance playing for a competent NFL franchise. The Jaguars were 13-21 over his first 2 seasons, including a 4-13 record in 2024.
“The eagles running back room has to be the best in the league right?” X user Malibu wrote on his official account following the trade.
“To those who don’t know… Tank Bigsby is legit,” X user Rob Hodge wrote. “Only 24 years old… Rushed for 766 yards and 7 TD’s last season. Perfect RB2…”
“Tank Bigsby is a legit good running back” SB Nation’s Will Rucker wrote on his official account. “Howie is always going to strike when he feels he can get value. This is your RB2a
