Kristaps Porzingis, the towering 7’3″ center for the Atlanta Hawks, has recently stirred up excitement in the sports world with his unexpected announcement of a potential career in mixed martial arts (MMA) after basketball. This revelation comes on the heels of his recent NBA championship win with the Boston Celtics, showcasing not only his prowess on the court but also his ambition to venture into a completely different sporting arena.
The timing of Porzingis’s announcement is particularly intriguing as it coincides with Latvia’s upcoming friendly match against Slovenia, where he will face off against his former Dallas Mavericks teammate, Luka Doncic. This match marks the first time these two stars have clashed in Europe since 2017, adding an extra layer of anticipation to the encounter.
Despite the competitive history between Porzingis and Doncic, the Hawks’ big man emphasized that there is no lingering animosity. “I have a normal relationship with Luka. Of course, things didn’t go well in Dallas. That’s in the past,” he stated in a recent interview. However, as he prepares to meet Slovenia in the knockout stage later this summer, Porzingis is eager to channel that competitive spirit into the game. “Why not use it as extra motivation? Even for a friendly, we’ll give it our all,” he added.
Reflecting on their time together in Dallas, Porzingis and Doncic’s partnership was initially filled with promise, yet it ultimately fell short due to injuries and differing playing styles. There were even whispers of discord, with former player Chandler Parsons suggesting that Doncic didn’t enjoy playing alongside Porzingis. While both players have downplayed these narratives, the headlines have lingered, adding to the intrigue of their current trajectories.
Porzingis’s career journey has seen him transition from the New York Knicks to the Mavericks, then to the Washington Wizards, and finally to the Celtics, where he achieved his first NBA title in 2024. Meanwhile, Doncic’s recent move to the Los Angeles Lakers has dramatically shifted the landscape of the NBA, leaving Dallas to rebuild around Anthony Davis as their new cornerstone.
The prospect of Porzingis pursuing an MMA career is more than just idle talk. In his own words, he expressed a desire to “save myself” for this new chapter, indicating a serious commitment to the sport. At just 30 years old, he is already contemplating a future beyond basketball, envisioning a switch from shooting hoops to grappling on the mat.
This mindset shift does not imply that Porzingis is taking a backseat in the NBA. In fact, the upcoming friendly against Slovenia may serve as a preview of the competitive edge he carries. Both players are known for their fierce determination, and while they may exchange pleasantries before the game, once the whistle blows, fans can expect an intense showdown.
Porzingis previously acknowledged Doncic’s ability to rise to the occasion in critical games, saying, “He’s one of the best players, and he’s going to bring it, so we have to be ready.” Now, the narrative has evolved: Doncic is the face of the Lakers, while Porzingis has emerged as the Hawks’ centerpiece, armed with championship experience and ambitions of a fight-sports future.
As the friendly match approaches, the crowd in Riga can expect more than just a routine game; they will witness the intersection of two careers that have experienced both collaboration and competition. The tension between Porzingis and Doncic, fueled by their past and their current ambitions, promises to deliver an electrifying atmosphere that fans won’t want to miss.
In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, Kristaps Porzingis’s bold declaration of a future in MMA adds an exciting twist to his narrative. As he continues to navigate his basketball career, the potential for a crossover into mixed martial arts showcases his determination to forge his own path. Whether this friendly match serves as a mere exhibition or a pivotal moment in their ongoing rivalry remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: both players are ready to give it their all.