Latvia has been eliminated from EuroBasket. After a series of intense group stage games, the team took on Lithuania in a win-or-go-home first round matchup. This one could have gone either way, but Lithuania saw themselves pull away in the second half, clinching their spot in the quarterfinals.
The loss, however, was in no part due to the play of Atlanta's big man. Kristaps Porzingis lit the court up with his dominance on both ends. He played an elite all-around game, scoring 34 points and knocking down 4 threes on solid efficiency. He also added an impressive 19 rebounds and 2 blocks, showcasing his incredible paint presence.
Hawks fans saw everything they needed to see from their newly-acquired big man in EuroBasket. He did not have the most effective start, but found his form in the latter half of group play. The return of his three ball was the most promising development throughout the tournament.
In the first three group stage games, Porzingis did not knock down a single three. He was a combined 0/13 from beyond the arc. This was not a prolonged slump, however, as he drained 10 triples in his last three games.
His final averages in EuroBasket do not paint the full picture. As Latvia's top offensive option and lead playmaker, Porzingis averaged 20.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.7 blocks on 46.8% from the field and 26.3% from deep.
Porzingis is set to have a different role with the Atlanta Hawks.
In Atlanta, Kristaps Porzingis will not have near the responsibility he carried in EuroBasket. He will operate as a high-volume three point shooter who thrives in the pick-and-pop with Trae Young. His paint presence will also add a unique element to Atlanta's schemes on both ends.
The slump in the beginning of EuroBasket was not anything that should carry over. The larger sample size of the 7'2" NBA Champion's game shows an elite outside shooter who impacts winning like no other. Last season with the Boston Celtics, Porzingis averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds on a career-high 41.2% from deep.
With his summer campaign now over, the next time Kristaps Porzingis sees the floor will be in an Atlanta Hawks uniform. At the end of the month, 2025 Media Day will take place, and training camp will immediately follow. Atlanta's first preseason game is on October 6th against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center.
It is an exciting time to be an Atlanta Hawks fan. Kristaps Porzingis is the best center that Atlanta has had since Al Horford, and everyone on the roster should benefit from his strengths.