A potential return from Kristaps Porziņģis would give the Hawks a meaningful but measured boost, particularly as they continue to navigate injuries and rotation changes.

Atlanta isn’t asking Porziņģis to redefine its identity. His value lies in structure and balance. With Onyeka Okongwu sidelined, the Hawks have lacked a true interior anchor who can stabilize lineups on both ends. Porziņģis offers spacing, rim deterrence and efficient scoring without demanding a high usage rate.

Offensively, his presence changes defensive coverage. Porziņģis pulls opposing bigs away from the paint, creating cleaner driving lanes and improving ball movement. That has become increasingly important as the offense runs more consistently through Jalen Johnson, whose ability to attack gaps and find shooters benefits from added spacing.

Defensively, the impact is more subtle but still important. Atlanta has defended better with Porziņģis on the floor, and his length provides a level of rim protection the Hawks have struggled to replicate during his absence. Even without gaudy block totals, his presence alters shot selection and helps organize coverages.

The key variable remains availability. Porziņģis has appeared in just 17 games this season, and any return would likely come with a minutes restriction. The realistic expectation is not extended dominance, but steady, controlled minutes that prevent drop-offs when rotations shift.

What are you looking for from Porziņģis in his return? What do you want to see from this team entering the All-Star break? Thoughts on the ceiling of this group to end the season?