Keen to Transition: Kristaps Porziņģis and His Future in MMA

Atlanta Hawks' standout big man Kristaps Porziņģis is already planning his post-basketball career, and it's an unexpected twist—MMA fighting. In a recent interview, Porziņģis revealed, "MMA is a sport that's very close to my heart. It's number one for watching," indicating his passion for the combat sport.

Porziņģis confirmed that he has joined an MMA project, stating, "Everything is still in process—once we get closer to the final result, I'll be able to share more," and added that he experimented with MMA this summer. However, he committed to not pursuing it further during his basketball career, opting to focus on his performance on the court.

The towering 7'2" athlete is not alone in this venture; many former athletes have transitioned to MMA after their initial sports careers. Notable names include NFL stars Herschel Walker and Frank Gore, as well as NBA players like Nate Robinson and Deron Williams. Given Porziņģis's height, he would certainly be an imposing presence in the Octagon.

For now, Porziņģis is set on making an impact with the Hawks, who hope to leverage his skills in the upcoming season. He was acquired this summer to enhance their roster, working alongside All-Star Trae Young. Known for his ability to shoot from long range and defend the rim, Porziņģis averaged 19.8 points, seven rebounds, and 1.7 blocks over his last two seasons with the Boston Celtics.

While he battled injury issues—missing substantial time during his tenure in Boston—the Hawks are optimistic that he can help elevate their competitive edge in the Eastern Conference. As Porziņģis gears up for another season of NBA action, the future of his MMA aspirations remains on the horizon.