What is Kristaps Porzingis Illness? Hawks Star's Mystery Disease Explained

Last season, a mystery Kristaps Porzingis illness curtailed the Boston Celtics' title retention bid in the playoffs. This illness has since been revealed as postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a disorder that affects the nervious system.

It's possible that Porzingis, who now plays for the Atlanta Hawks, is still dealing with POTS as Shams Charania reported on Sunday that he would be sidelined for the next two weeks due to illness.

"He and doctors found solutions over the summer to manage his health and he entered the Hawks season in good condition, before recent bout of illness," Charania tweeted.

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This latest report begs the question: What are the implications of the previously identified Kristaps Porzingis illness for the one-time NBA champion's well-being?

According to Cleveland Clinic, POTS causes the heart to "beat faster than normal," specifically when one goes from a sitting or lying position to standing up. The symptoms of POTS include dizziness, brain fog, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fainting.

This Kristaps Porzingis illness affects an estimated one to three million people in the United States. As per Cleveland Clinic, the symptoms of POTS "may come and go for years." No cure has been found for POTS, but a number of solutions can be employed for its management. Doctors may prescribe isometric exercises, increased intake of sodium, or certain adjustments to sleeping positions.

While POTS could cause a great deal of inconvenience to non-athletes, an active NBA competitor would find it even more burdensome as the physical toll of the regular season and playoffs is extraordinary. The Hawks, then, can hardly be blamed for taking a rather cautious approach to the management of Porzingis' health.

Kristaps Porzingis illness adds to Atlanta Hawks' injury woes as they face Sixers

Aside from Porzingis being sidelined due to illness, the Hawks will also be dealing with injuries to three other players who have been deemed out for Sunday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

These players are Trae Young (MCL), Jacob Toppin (shoulder), and N'Faly Dante (concussion protocol).

Meanwhile, Nickeil Alexander-Walker will be available against the Sixers. Alexander-Walker has been nursing a right ankle sprain.

Edited by Simoun Victor Redoblado