NBA Notes: Hawks, Kristaps Porzingis, Mavericks, Cooper Flagg, Raptors

Hawks

Kristaps Porzingis will be sidelined for at least two more weeks as he continues to undergo evaluations related to an illness, sources told ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Both the Hawks and Porzingis are taking a big-picture approach, prioritizing the veteran big man’s long-term availability rather than pushing for a quick return. Atlanta confirmed the plan in a release, noting that Porzingis will be limited to light basketball activity during the next two weeks, with an update to follow.

Porzingis, who is set to earn $30.7 million in 2025-26 and could become an unrestricted free agent next summer, will miss his third straight game Sunday against Philadelphia. He had appeared in just one game earlier this month after missing four in a row with the illness.

After a Dec. 5 loss to Denver, Porzingis addressed the situation and made it clear it is not related to postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, the condition that sidelined him for extended time last season.

“I just wasn’t feeling too good,” Porzingis said. “Not being healthy healthy, you know? But it’s not the same stuff from last season.”

The earliest realistic return date would be Dec. 29 at Oklahoma City.

Mavericks

The Cooper Flagg point guard experiment did not last long, but both Flagg and Mavericks coach Jason Kidd believe it mattered.

Dallas opened the season with Flagg handling lead-guard duties, a move that drew skepticism and mixed results. Still, Flagg said the experience helped accelerate his learning curve, according to Eddie Sefko of Mavs.com.

“I learned a ton,” Flagg said. “I’d never really played point guard before. It’s a lot different than any other position.”

Kidd acknowledged the decision was unpopular in some circles but said the long view matters more than early returns.

“This is an 18-year-old playing against the best players in the world,” Kidd said. “We’re playing the long game with him.”

Raptors

Raptors guard Jamal Shead is no longer sneaking up on people.

John Hollinger of The Athletic included Shead among seven “undervalued” players leaguewide, highlighting his impact relative to his contract. Known early for his defense, Shead has taken a noticeable step offensively in his second season.

While his shooting remains a work in progress, Hollinger notes that Shead’s processing and decision-making have elevated his role in Toronto’s rotation.

“It’s about making reads,” Shead said. “Understanding the pace of the game and how to really create for my teammates.”