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.
Former Celtics champion calls out NBA legend for b*llying
Shaquille O'Neal's resume speaks for itself; he's in the Basketball Hall of Fame for good reason. 
Four-time NBA champion with the Lakers and Heat, the 2000 NBA MVP, and 15 NBA All-Star selections, need we go on?
However, O'Neal's matters off the hardwood have recently come into light, and it's not in support of the legendary center.
Kendrick Perkins Accused Shaq of Bullying While They Were Both with the Celtics
During O'Neal's final NBA season in the 2010-11 season, he was with the Boston Celtics, where he shared the court with another center, current NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins, who was a part of Boston's 2008 championship team.
In an episode of his "Road Trippin'" podcast, Perkins brought one mishap in particular that involved O'Neal and that didn't sit well with Perkins.
When a locker room brawl broke out between Delonte West and Von Wafer, Perkins says that the legendary big man was encouraging the fight.
“Von Wafer is leaking,” Perkins said. “This is bullying at this point. You know when somebody wanna fight, and you know when somebody don’t wanna fight. Von had no intentions on fighting or doing none of that. That man just wanted to compete, go home, and let the chips fall where they may. Shaq in there, ‘Oh, (expletive). Oh, (expletive). Let’s take it in the bathroom. He gotta get his lick back.’ I’m like, ‘Man, sit your big (expletive) down, man, instigating that (expletive).’”
Midway through the 2010-11 season, Perkins was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and O'Neal retired at the conclusion of the season, which saw the Celtics finish 56-26.
