POTS may complicate Kristaps Porzingis' availability for the Warriors

Kristaps Porzingis has been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and has played only 17 of a possible 533 minutes since joining the Warriors; doctors say POTS deregulates the autonomic nervous system and can cause rapid heart rate and lightheadedness when standing.

Kristaps Porzingis returned to the court Saturday night against the Thunder after joining the Warriors on their road trip. Before that game he had played just 17 of a possible 533 minutes since the team acquired him at the trade deadline. He has been diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, commonly called POTS, which affects the autonomic nervous system. Medical specialists told The California Post that the condition can make a player's availability unpredictable. Key facts: - Porzingis returned to play Saturday but had appeared in only 17 of 533 possible minutes since the trade deadline. - POTS is reported to affect about 3 million Americans and is described as a disorder of autonomic regulation that can cause rapid heart rate, lightheadedness, nausea and fatigue. - Clinicians said POTS is typically diagnosed from symptoms rather than a single definitive test, and common triggers noted include recent illness, dehydration and environmental changes such as dry air on flights. - Team medical staff have described Porzingis as a novel challenge; his condition is being managed by clinicians but his long-term availability remains uncertain. Summary: Porzingis' POTS diagnosis offers a clinical explanation for his limited playing time and creates an ongoing element of uncertainty for the Warriors. Medical experts described the condition as variable in its course and noted management often involves monitoring hydration and other factors. Undetermined at this time.