Porzingis says illness behind him as Hawks open training camp

Kristaps Porzingis said Monday that a mysterious illness that drained his energy during the 2024-25 season is behind him as he begins his first training camp with the Atlanta Hawks, who added the 7-foot-2 center in a three-team trade on June 24 and hope his health will help lift them out of consecutive play-in finishes. Porzingis told reporters at Hawks media day that participating in this summer's EuroBasket for Latvia convinced him he has regained his conditioning and stamina after the ailment that repeatedly produced energy "crashes" last season.

"I still don't have an exact answer," Porzingis said. "It was lingering. That was the toughest part. Some days it was OK. I'm glad it's gone now." He later added that he "had the gas tank again" while playing for Latvia and that he is "excited" to enter the season healthy.

Porzingis joins a retooled Hawks roster that also added wing Nickeil Alexander-Walker and veteran shooter Luke Kennard in free agency and welcomes back power forward Jalen Johnson from season-ending shoulder surgery. The team’s frontline now features Porzingis alongside Onyeka Okongwu and top draft pick Zaccharie Risacher, while Trae Young and Dyson Daniels are...