Here’s a gut-wrenching update for Atlanta Hawks fans: Kristaps Porzingis, the towering center who’s been a cornerstone of the team’s lineup, will be sidelined for the next two weeks due to an ongoing illness. But here’s where it gets controversial—while some fans are worried about the team’s performance without him, others argue this could be a blessing in disguise, giving younger players a chance to step up. The Hawks announced on Sunday that Porzingis, who has already missed seven of the past eight games, will undergo further evaluations through late December to ensure a full recovery. The team’s statement emphasized, ‘He will continue this period of limited basketball activities and evaluation for two weeks, after which time his status will be updated.’ His last appearance was on December 5, where he dropped 25 points in a heart-wrenching 134-133 loss to the Denver Nuggets. Acquired in a high-profile three-team trade involving the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics on June 24, Porzingis has been a key addition to the Hawks’ roster. During his two-year stint with the Celtics, he played a pivotal role in securing Boston’s 18th NBA title in 2024. And this is the part most people miss—while Porzingis’ absence is a significant blow, the Hawks are poised to welcome back another superstar: Trae Young. After suffering a right MCL sprain in late October during a game in Brooklyn, Young is expected to return to action this week. The team’s statement on Saturday noted, ‘He continues to increase his reconditioning activities and is expected to return to practice next week.’ A four-time NBA All-Star, 2022 All-NBA Third-Team selection, and 2019 All-Rookie First-Team honoree, Young set a franchise record with 880 assists during the 2024-25 season, averaging an impressive 11.6 per game. As the Hawks navigate this period of transition, the question remains: Can the team maintain its momentum without Porzingis, or will Young’s return be enough to keep them afloat? What’s your take? Do you think Porzingis’ absence will hurt the Hawks, or is this an opportunity for the team to showcase its depth? Let us know in the comments!
