Kristaps Porzingis' Illness That Impacted Celtics Tenure Finally Revealed
Former Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis missed a significant stretch of action during his final playoff run with the team before he was traded in the summer.
Porzingis revealed that the illness he experienced was postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that made running and activity difficult.
Throughout the regular season last year, he played normally, not showing any signs of being compromised. However, come the playoffs, he looked like a shell of himself.
According to Fred Katz of The Athletic, the doctors diagnosed Porzingis with POTS.
"Doctors later diagnosed him with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, he said, more commonly referred to as POTS, an autonomic condition that can dramatically increase a patient’s heart rate when standing up instead of spread horizontal. Handled wrong — or not yet diagnosed — and POTS can lead to extreme exhaustion or dizziness,"
In the story, the center detailed how it made him feel and the symptoms that he battled throughout the playoffs.
“It hit me, and it hit me like a truck,” Porzingis told The Athletic. “The breathing wasn’t good. I did everything I could potentially to feel as good as I could, but my engine wasn’t running the way I wanted.”
“You know how people say, ‘Oh, I’m so fatigued.’ I’ve never used those words. I don’t even like to speak in those terms, but I really was like that. At that time, I could just lay on the couch and be a house cat.”
The Celtics ended up trading Porzingis at the end of the season due to salary cap restrictions. Boston was in the second apron, which puts an intense financial and transactional burden on the team. To get out of that spot, they needed to shed a significant amount of salary.
The 30-year-old, who had been a key big man providing size to the team, was on an expiring deal worth $30 million this season, and given the Celtics' lack of competitiveness with Jayson Tatum on the sidelines, it hardly makes sense to keep him.
He ended up being traded to the Atlanta Hawks, while the Celtics currently start Neemias Queta at center.
Packers Eye Potential Trade of Former 3rd-Round Pick Sean Rhyan
The Green Bay Packers are reportedly considering parting ways with offensive lineman Sean Rhyan ahead of the November 4 NFL trade deadline. Rhyan, a former third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has struggled to earn a consistent spot on the Packers' offensive line, which has led to speculation that the team may look to move him before the deadline.
“I’ve been working hard every day to improve,” Rhyan said when asked about his role with the team. “I know I’ve had my ups and downs, but I’m committed to getting better. Whatever happens next, I’ll continue to put in the work and stay ready.”
Despite being a high draft pick, Rhyan has found himself buried on the depth chart, with limited opportunities to showcase his skills on the field. The Packers have a solid group of offensive linemen, and with their depth at the position, Rhyan's future with the team has been uncertain.
“It’s been a tough road, but I’m focused on making the most of every chance I get,” Rhyan added. “I know how the business works, and I just want to help the team however I can.”
As the trade deadline looms, the Packers may look to move Rhyan to a team in need of offensive line help. His potential departure would allow the Packers to recoup assets in the form of draft picks or potentially improve their roster in another area.
“We’re always looking at the roster and trying to put together the best group we can,” said Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst. “Sean has a lot of potential, but we’ll see what makes the most sense for the team moving forward.”
With Rhyan's future hanging in the balance, the Packers' decision will depend on the offers they receive and whether they feel it’s the right time to part with the young lineman.
“I just want to play, wherever that may be,” Rhyan said. “I’m ready for whatever comes next, and I’m going to keep working hard to prove myself.”
As the Packers continue to evaluate their roster, all eyes will be on whether Rhyan stays in Green Bay or finds a new home before the trade deadline.
