Foto: BB.LV / Порзиньгис
In an interview with sportacentrs.com, Peiners spoke about Porzingis' character, his attitude towards conflicts, and health issues that had not previously been disclosed, writes [nra.lv](https://nra.lv/sports/534189-zanis-peiners-komente-kristapa-porzinga-lemumu-partraukt-basketbolista-karjeru.htm). ### “He wants to distance himself from any problem” According to Janis Peiners, many people have a misunderstanding of Kristaps Porzingis. The former coach believes that one of the reasons for this is the basketball player's reluctance to publicly discuss unpleasant situations and conflicts. > “It’s a pity that such a mistaken impression has formed. I would say it’s related to the fact that Kristaps perhaps doesn’t like to deal with problems and he always steps aside,” Peiners noted. From his observations, when Porzingis prefers not to comment on what is happening, the information vacuum is quickly filled with rumors. > “He often comments on everything too late, and I think he is aware of it himself, but it’s natural for him. He wants to distance himself from any problem and stressful situation,” the coach explained. At the same time, Peiners emphasized that he does not consider this character trait a flaw. > “I don’t think that makes him a bad person. I don’t even know what could be said bad about him,” he added. ### Fans didn’t even know about some surgeries Peiners separately touched on the topic of Porzingis’ performances for the Latvian national team. The basketball player has been criticized multiple times for missing national team matches. However, according to his former coach, the public was not aware of all the circumstances. > “Yes, he often didn’t play for the national team. But let’s be realistic — he even had several surgeries on his wrist that no one talked about,” Peiners said. Thus, some of Porzingis’ decisions that caused dissatisfaction among fans could be related to health issues that the athlete preferred not to disclose. ### “My body reacted differently than I expected” Recently, 31-year-old Kristaps Porzingis announced that he is stopping playing basketball to focus on his health. In a post published on social media X, the athlete admitted that he hoped to return to full performances, but his physical condition did not allow him to realize these plans. > “I was really looking forward to the opportunity to return to this group, but when I started working, my body reacted differently than I expected,” Porzingis wrote. He emphasized that he feels good overall, but is not yet ready to play at the level he demands from himself. > “At this moment, I have made the decision to prioritize my health and stop playing basketball, which I love,” the athlete stated. However, Porzingis did not clarify whether his decision is a definitive end to his career or if it is a long break. ### What is known about health issues Uncertainty about Porzingis’ future persisted since the end of September. At that time, the Golden State Warriors announced that the Latvian basketball player would not be able to play for an indefinite period due to health problems and would not travel with the team for a training camp in Hawaii. In October, Porzingis visited the club's training facility and met with management, but details of his condition were not publicly disclosed. Earlier, while still playing for the Boston Celtics, the basketball player mentioned that he was diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This is a disorder of heart rate regulation, where transitioning to an upright position can be accompanied by significant increases in pulse, dizziness, and severe fatigue. However, Porzingis did not specify whether his current break is related to this diagnosis. ### What will happen with the 40 million dollar contract? At the end of June, Porzingis agreed with the Golden State Warriors to extend his contract for two years for a total of 40 million dollars (about 35.9 million euros). In the second season, the guaranteed part of the agreement is only three million dollars (approximately 2.69 million euros). The club does not pay the basketball player a salary while he is not playing, and Porzingis himself agreed to this decision. It was also reported that the Warriors are considering parting ways with the Latvian player. The club may trade him before February 11 under the terms specified in the contract. Porzingis himself expressed his intention to cooperate with the team to find a reasonable solution to the situation. ### From the fourth draft pick to NBA championship Kristaps Porzingis began his NBA career in 2015 when the New York Knicks selected him as the fourth overall pick in the draft. Over the years in the strongest basketball league in the world, the native of Liepaja has played for six clubs: the New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks, Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, and Golden State Warriors. The main achievement of his career was the NBA championship title won in 2024 with the Boston Celtics. Porzingis became the first Latvian basketball player to achieve such success. Now the continuation of his career remains in question. In his message to fans, Porzingis concluded with words of gratitude to his family, loved ones, and everyone who supported him throughout his career. > “Thank you so much to all of you for your support. Only forward and upward,” the basketball player wrote.
