The Hawks have a chance to be fully healthy for the first time in a long stretch, as Kuminga’s status has been upgraded ahead of their matchup against the Washington Wizards. Kuminga has been dealing with a bone bruise, an injury that sidelined him shortly after the trade and delayed his integration into the lineup.

Kuminga is now listed as questionable against the Wizards, a positive sign that he is nearing a return to the floor. Last week, the Hawks noted that he was progressing well in his recovery from the bone bruise and would be reevaluated in a week, with his status then updated. The organization has remained encouraged by the forward’s steady improvement.

Kuminga was seen knocking down shots during Hawks practice, another promising indication regarding his on-court readiness. Adding Kuminga to the Hawks’ rotation could strengthen their wing depth, and his skill set may create opportunities for the rest of the roster. His ability to attack the paint and get to the rim will be key for the Hawks, whether finishing plays or finding an open teammate.

The moves the Hawks have made

The Hawks recently made a lineup adjustment, inserting CJ McCollum into the starting five alongside Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander Walker, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu, while moving Zaccharie Risacher to the bench.

With Risacher operating as a wing, it will be worth monitoring how the Hawks distribute those bench minutes once Kuminga is fully healthy, and whether both forwards can share the court in certain lineups for the rest of the NBA season.

Kuminga numbers

For his career, Kuminga has averaged 12.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game across 278 appearances with the Golden State Warriors. He last played on Jan. 22, when he scored 10 points in nine minutes during the Warriors’ loss to the Dallas Mavericks, a performance that came shortly before his injury absence.

At the same time, Flagg did not overlook the relationships he built in a short span with veterans such as Anthony Davis, D’Angelo Russell, Jaden Hardy, and Dante Exum. Following the Mavericks’ game against the San Antonio Spurs, the rookie addressed the emotional side of the trades and the transition the roster went through.

“It was tough,” Flagg said, via Mike Curtis of the Dallas Morning News. “They were all amazing guys to be around, on and off the court. I wish them all the best, and I’m just blessed to be here. Moving forward, whoever is out there on the court with me and the rest of the guys, I’m just looking forward to trying to get better and compete at a really high level.”

“We still had some really great guys here,” Flagg added. “Guys like Naji Marshall, Max Christie, and PJ Washington. We had a really bright future, and we could continue to keep competing and getting better every single day.”

Flagg’s production compared to the all-time greats

Based on how Flagg performed over the following weeks, the Mavericks appeared to be in capable hands despite the turbulence. His rapid development made it clear that surrounding him with the right complementary pieces would be critical, especially as he continued to rewrite rookie benchmarks and carve out a historic start to his career.

On Thursday, Feb. 6, Flagg accepted the Western Conference Rookie of the Month award for January, an honor he had already claimed in December and October/November. Later that night, he led Dallas against the San Antonio Spurs and former Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama, finishing with 32 points. According to the NBA, the No. 1 pick out of Duke became the youngest player in league history to score at least 30 points in four consecutive games.

Flagg also became the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to record four straight games of at least 30 points and five rebounds. With 151 total points over that stretch, he further joined elite company, becoming the first rookie since Allen Iverson in 1997 to reach 150 points across a four-game span, a sign that Dallas’ bold gamble was already yielding a new cornerstone.

Kuminga’s situation had lingered since the offseason, when no resolution was reached despite clear internal tension. His role became a sensitive issue within the roster, and head coach Steve Kerr faced a difficult balancing act between development and winning, a challenge that ultimately proved unsustainable.

Kerr finally addressed the situation publicly on ESPN, offering a candid assessment of why the relationship reached a breaking point. “He needed the runway to make more mistakes… It was very tough not being allowed to make those mistakes. For us as a staff, it was tricky trying to develop him while we were trying to win. I think it’s as simple as that.”

Kuminga’s departure became inevitable, and Buddy Hield also paid the price in the process, a loss the Warriors are expected to feel. On the other side of the deal, Golden State hoped to get Porzingis back healthy and productive for the stretch run. He had not played since Jan. 7, but team sources indicated Porzingis was expected to return shortly after joining the Warriors. Golden State sat at 27-24, eighth in the Western Conference at the time.

The other move the Warriors made

The Warriors also traded backup center Trayce Jackson-Davis to the Toronto Raptors in exchange for the Los Angeles Lakers’ 2026 second-round pick, sources told ESPN. The move left Quentin Post as the primary alternative at center, with veteran Al Horford also available, though his minutes were expected to be managed carefully.

The Warriors’ new plan

Golden State previously explored a potential move for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo, but those talks did not materialize, and the Greek Freak remained with Milwaukee. However, the Warriors were not done planning for the future and already had an offseason strategy in place.

A recent report from The Athletic’s Nick Friedell outlined Golden State’s flexibility once the summer arrived for the NBA. “The good news for Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy is that roster limits are much looser in the summer,” Friedell wrote. “He could add more money in the short term in an attempt to make a deal happen.”

“Separately, if the Warriors wait until after the draft in June, they could potentially include their 2026 pick and their 2027 first-round picks to give the Bucks more assets in the short term.”

In short, Golden State appeared prepared to join the list of contenders expected to pursue Antetokounmpo in the offseason. For now, the Warriors remained focused on salvaging the current campaign, with Stephen Curry and Kristaps Porzingis positioned as the pillars of their late-season push.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Lakers have listed LeBron James (left foot joint arthritis & right sciatica) and Luka Doncic (left groin soreness) as questionable for tonight’s matchup in Los Angeles.

The Lakers are coming off a surprising loss to the Sacramento Kings, a game in which both James and Doncic played. The Slovenian star had a dominant performance, leading all scorers with 42 points while adding seven rebounds and eight assists. LeBron followed as the team’s second-leading scorer with 22 points.

Tonight marks the second game of a back-to-back. At 41 years old, James has yet to play both ends of a back-to-back this season, as the franchise remains cautious regarding his age and physical workload. That is why it is highly likely that the King will not see action tonight and will take a rest day instead.

As for Doncic, he admitted to feeling discomfort during warmups in Sacramento. “I was really uncertain for the game. Warming up, I felt something,” Doncic told reporters post-game. “So, just trying to get warm… Tomorrow, we will see when I wake up“. A final decision on Doncic’s status is expected closer to tip-off as the team monitors his progress.

Shorthanded Lakers face Hawks

Following a three-game winning streak, the Lakers are looking to return to the win column tonight against the Atlanta Hawks. However, they will be forced to do so with a severely depleted roster, as arguably their three most impactful players—LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves—will not be present at Crypto.com Arena.

With James and Doncic sidelined, the leadership role would typically fall to Reaves; however, the point guard is also out due to a left calf strain. In their absence, Marcus Smart is expected to take over primary ball-handling duties, while young rotation players Jake LaRavia and Dalton Knecht will have a significant opportunity to prove they can handle increased responsibilities.

According to Underdog NBA, Trae Young is available to play and no longer carries an injury designation on the report. After dealing with a right quad contusion earlier in the week, Young is now expected to suit up without restrictions against the Knicks. The Hawks’ star has appeared in four consecutive games, including a 30-point performance in Friday’s 126–111 loss to the Miami Heat.

The Hawks enter the matchup looking to snap a five-game losing streak. After winning just two of their last 11 games, Young’s likely availability gives Atlanta a much-needed boost on the road against one of the stronger teams in the Eastern Conference.

Trae Young’s numbers

After posting eight points, 10 assists, and one steal in 20 minutes in his first game back since October 29, Young has steadily returned to form. He has scored at least 22 points in each of his last three games, including two performances with 30 or more points.

Since returning, Young is averaging 23.8 points, 10.0 assists, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting 50.0 percent from the field, 44.8 percent from three-point range, and 89.7 percent from the free-throw line. His offensive rhythm has been a key stabilizer for an Atlanta lineup built around his playmaking.

One of Young’s best performances of the season came in a 152–150 loss to the Chicago Bulls, the highest-scoring game in the NBA this year. He finished that night with 35 points on 10-of-16 shooting, including seven three-pointers, along with nine assists.

Trae Young’s rivalry with the Knicks

Young’s history against the Knicks is well-documented. During the 2019–20 season, he delivered some of his most explosive performances against New York, averaging 44.0 points and 10.6 assists across three games while routinely silencing Madison Square Garden.

That tension carried into the following season, as Young continued to deliver clutch shots and high-level performances whenever the Knicks stood in front of him. His confidence and shot-making repeatedly turned hostile crowds into part of the spectacle.

The rivalry reached its peak during the 2021 NBA postseason, when the Hawks eliminated the Knicks in the first round. In Game 1, Young sealed a 107–105 win with a game-winning floater, finishing with 32 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.

More recently, he eliminated the Knicks from the 2024 NBA Cup at Madison Square Garden, posting 22 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, then celebrating at center court by mimicking a dice roll over the Knicks logo, a moment that further cemented the rivalry.

According to the latest official NBA injury report, the Heat have downgraded Bam Adebayo to doubtful due to lower back soreness. While not yet officially ruled out, the downgrade suggests the three-time All-Star is unlikely to suit up for tonight’s matchup.

The Heat are mired in a mid-season slump, having dropped three straight games and managing just two wins over their last 10 outings. Adebayo’s potential absence headlines a crowded injury report for Miami.

While the star center is doubtful, the team expects some reinforcements as Nikola Jovic (elbow), Pelle Larsson (ankle), and Keshad Johnson (illness) are all listed as probable for the matchup in Atlanta.

However, the Heat remain without their top perimeter threat, Tyler Herro. The All-Star guard has been ruled out for his sixth consecutive game as he continues to recover from a persistent right big toe contusion.

Adebayo facing mid-season struggles

The Heat’s current slide is mirrored by the uncharacteristic struggles of their captain. Bam Adebayo has looked like a shadow of the dominant force the league is accustomed to seeing.

“It sucks,” Adebayo told reporters following a recent loss to the Raptors, per Zachary Weinberger. “But it’s part of the NBA; it’s a long season. So, fighting through whatever I’ve got to fight through, figuring out how I can impact winning, and doing that instead of focusing on shots not falling. Just play basketball and shots will eventually start falling”.

While there is plenty of basketball left to be played, the numbers are concerning. Adebayo is currently on pace for his lowest scoring average since the 2019-20 campaign with 18 points per game and is shooting a career-low 46.6% from the field.

It is critical for the Heat to get Adebayo back to his dominant form. Miami currently sits at 15-15 on the season and is desperate to avoid falling below the .500 mark as they battle to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.

Young was listed as out for the return matchup against the Charlotte Hornets due to right knee injury management. However, concern eased after he spoke with reporters following the game. “I felt fine, it wasn’t going to take me very long to be where I needed to be. I think it was a good first step,” Young said, signaling optimism about his recovery.

The Hawks came up short against the Hornets in that contest, but the encouraging news centered on Young’s return after missing time with a right MCL sprain. Playing under a minutes restriction, the All Star guard finished with eight points and 10 assists in 20 minutes, easing his way back into live action.

How Trae Young experienced the injury

This marked the first time in Young’s career that he had to rehabilitate a knee injury. The last extended absence he dealt with came two seasons earlier due to a hand injury, when he returned without any minutes limitation. This time, the process unfolded differently, requiring more patience and careful management.

“Obviously, you want to give as much as you can for those minutes you’re out there, but you also don’t want to press it,” Young said. “It’s a fine line you have to be on. It’s easier said than done. Especially this being my first one coming back in the regular season. I just have to trust them.” Young added, “Whether I like it or not, I just have to trust them and allow the people that helped me through the rehab process to continue to do that.”

How he felt in his return

Not being on the NBA‘s court for extended stretches can lead to early fatigue, and Young acknowledged that shaking off rust is not easy. “The main part is the conditioning. Not having the leeway to give more than you can is not easy, but it’s the first one,” he said, emphasizing that the process will take time.

Head coach Quin Snyder echoed that sentiment, noting the importance of patience as the Hawks adjust. “It’s going to be a process for us and everybody to get acclimated for Trae to continue to get in shape,” Snyder said. “It’s good to have a first step in the process and continue finding ways to be better as a group.”

Some NBA franchises have made the postseason almost a habit, weaving decades of basketball into a tapestry of legendary rosters and iconic moments. Their repeated appearances trace a history of the pursuit of excellence across eras.

Playoff consistency often separates enduring programs from fleeting contenders. From the bright lights of storied arenas to the pressure-cooked moments of the postseason, some have built reputations that echo far beyond any single season or championship.

Tracking which franchises reach the playoffs most often reveals patterns of culture, management and star power. Each return to April basketball adds a chapter to a broader narrative of persistence and rivalries.

Los Angeles Lakers | Playoff appearances: 65

The “Purple and Gold” don’t just participate in the playoffs; they often own them. With 65 appearances, the Los Angeles Lakers have spent more than 80% of their existence playing basketball in May and June.

From the Mikan era in Minneapolis to the “Showtime” glamour of Magic Johnson and the sheer force of Kobe and Shaq, the franchise has remained a constant in the championship conversation.

The Lakers represent the gold standard of North American sports, turning the playoffs into a star-studded gala where winning isn’t just a goal—it’s the brand. Their 17 titles are the fruit of this relentless consistency, proving that in Hollywood, the real show doesn’t start until the regular season ends.

Boston Celtics | Playoff appearances: 62

If the Lakers are the glamour, the Boston Celtics are the tradition. The parquet floor of the Garden has hosted 62 different playoff runs, a number that reflects decades of dominance across every era of the league.

Bill Russell’s dynastic run in the 60s set a bar for excellence that Bird, Pierce and now Tatum have fought to uphold. Unlike teams that go through “rebuilding” cycles lasting decades, Boston has mastered the art of the quick pivot, rarely staying away from the postseason for long.

For a Celtic, the regular season is merely a 82-game preamble to the high-stakes atmosphere of the Eastern Conference playoffs, where their 18 championship banners serve as both a motivation and a heavy shadow.

Philadelphia 76ers | Playoff appearances: 54

The story of the 76ers in the playoffs is one of grit, iconic superstars, and a city that demands nothing less than “The Process” resulting in a parade. With 54 appearances, Philadelphia has been a cornerstone of the Eastern Conference’s competitive landscape.

Whether it was Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance, Julius Erving’s gravity-defying dunks, or Allen Iverson’s heart-on-his-sleeve performances, the Sixers have always provided the postseason with its most compelling protagonists.

While they have faced heartbreaks and long waits between trophies, their presence in the playoffs remains a fixture of the sport, embodying a “blue-collar” resilience that makes them one of the most feared outs in NBA history.

Atlanta Hawks | Playoff appearances: 49

Perhaps the most underrated engine of consistency in the league, the Atlanta Hawks have quietly amassed 49 playoff appearances. Spanning their time in Tri-Cities, Milwaukee, St. Louis and finally Georgia, the Hawks have been a perennial thorn in the side of the NBA’s giants.

The “Human Highlight Film” Dominique Wilkins defined their high-flying era in the 80s, while more recent years have seen them rely on collective grit and the playmaking brilliance of Trae Young.

While they may not have the trophy case of the Lakers or Celtics, their ability to remain relevant across nearly five decades of league evolution is a feat of organizational survival that few other franchises can claim.

New York Knicks | Playoff appearances: 46

In the heart of Manhattan, the playoffs aren’t just a sporting event—they are a cultural barometer. The New York Knicks, holding 46 postseason berths, have long been the North Star of the Eastern Conference.

While the 1970s brought the city its golden era under the cerebral leadership of Walt “Clyde” Frazier, the 1990s redefined the franchise through the lens of grit and defensive intimidation at the hands of Patrick Ewing.

For decades, the hardwood at Madison Square Garden has served as the ultimate proving ground; to win here in May is to achieve a unique kind of basketball immortality. Today, as a new generation of talent revitalizes the franchise, that storied blue-and-orange history continues to provide the league with its most raucous and demanding postseason atmosphere.

Detroit Pistons | Playoff appearances: 43

The Detroit Pistons‘ 43 playoff appearances are defined by a very specific identity: the “Bad Boys”. While other teams on this list are celebrated for their finesse, Detroit’s postseason history is built on a foundation of physical defense and psychological warfare.

From the Isiah Thomas-led squads that ended the Celtics’ and Lakers’ dynasties in the late 80s to the 2004 “Goin’ to Work” team that shocked the world, the Pistons use the playoffs to prove that team chemistry and toughness can overcome individual superstardom.

When the Pistons enter the postseason, the game changes; the pace slows down, the intensity rises, and opponents know they are in for a 48-minute battle in the trenches.

San Antonio Spurs | Playoff appearances: 39

While other organizations chase “superteams” and headlines, the San Antonio Spurs built a 39-appearance legacy on the foundation of a silent, relentless machine. The story of the Spurs is fundamentally about the most successful two-decade run in the history of North American sports—a 22-year playoff streak that made the postseason feel like a birthright for the city of San Antonio.

Under the tactical genius of Gregg Popovich, the franchise mastered the “beautiful game,” evolving from a twin-tower defensive juggernaut into a high-speed passing clinic. Their 39 trips to the dance represent more than just a number; they are a monument to the idea that culture and character can create a dynasty that outlasts almost every rival.

Golden State Warriors | Playoff appearances: 38

Across 38 playoff appearances, the Golden State Warriors have functioned as the NBA’s greatest laboratory of innovation. The franchise didn’t just reach the postseason; they used it to destroy and rebuild the way basketball is played.

From the physical triumphs of the 1940s and 70s to the “Warriors Dynasty” of the modern era, the team has transitioned from a blue-collar underdog to a global tech-era powerhouse.

Their postseason history is marked by a fearlessness to embrace the three-point shot and positionless basketball, turning their playoff runs into masterclasses of offensive geometry. For the Warriors, the postseason hasn’t just been about winning games—it’s been about redefining the limits of the sport itself.

Portland Trail Blazers | Playoff appearances: 37

Portland might be tucked away in a corner of the country, but the Trail Blazers have been a perennial heartbeat of the NBA since they first stepped onto the court. With 37 playoff appearances, the “Rip City” faithful have witnessed a level of consistency that many larger-market teams envied.

From the high-flying 1990s squads that challenged the greatest legends of the game to the era of individual brilliance that kept them competitive through the 2010s, Portland has remained a fixture of the spring calendar.

For this franchise, the playoffs are an annual tradition that transcends the roster; it is a bond between a city and a team that refuses to settle for the lottery, consistently punching above its weight in the brutal Western Conference.

Milwaukee Bucks | Playoff appearances: 37

The Milwaukee Bucks’ postseason identity is defined by a rare ability to transform generational icons into immediate championship hardware. Since joining the league in 1968, the franchise has parlayed its 37 playoff appearances into two distinct golden eras, starting with a 1971 title run led by Lew Alcindor and Oscar Robertson that remains one of the fastest ascents for an expansion team in sports history.

While the 1980s saw the “Deer District” ancestors become perennial contenders under Don Nelson—amassing seven straight division titles—they often found their path to the Finals blocked by the legendary dynasties of the Eastern Conference.

The narrative shifted from consistent participant to global powerhouse with the rise of Giannis Antetokounmpo, whose “Greek Freak” moniker became synonymous with Milwaukee’s modern resurgence.

The groin issues are hitting Reaves at a terrible time, as he is enjoying the best season of his career so far. Through seven games, he is averaging 31.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists while shooting 48.9% from the field and 90.3% from the free-throw line.

The 27-year-old guard has excelled in the crucial role of supporting Doncic in James’ absence, being highly effective on both ends of the floor. Reaves was also forced to carry the scoring load when Doncic missed three games due to finger and lower-body injuries. In those three contests, Reaves erupted for 51, 41, and 28 points against the Kings, Blazers, and Timberwolves, respectively.

Reaves’ last game before his groin issues arose was the 130-120 victory over the Heat, where he teamed up with Doncic to lead the team, averaging 26 points, 11 assists, and four rebounds. Coach JJ Redick had hoped to have him back for today’s matchup against the Hawks, but the Lakers are clearly choosing not to rush Reaves’ recovery early in the season.

“That’s a TBD,” Redick said when asked when he expects Reaves to return, prior to the game against the Spurs. “He’s got some soreness in that right groin and he wanted to get a workout in with Beau [Levesque] after shootaround to kind of test it… A further injury on that is hard. I’ve had them, I had that surgery. So we’re just trying to be safe with him, and hopefully [he returns] Saturday. But we’re not gonna put him at risk”.

When could Reaves and James be back?

Regarding LeBron James, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that James did not travel with the team for the five-game road trip. This suggests his return may not occur until November 19th when the Lakers face the Jazz at the Crypto.com Arena. However, there is no official data about his comeback and could be prolonged further.

As for Reaves, he did travel with the team, and the Lakers hope to have him available for the next contest against the Hornets. The injury report also lists Maxi Kleber as questionable (abdominal muscle strain), who could make his season debut if he’s healthy. In addition to James, Adou Thiero (left knee surgery recovery) and Gabe Vincent (left ankle sprain) remain out.

Trae Young suffered a concerning injury during the season, forcing him to leave the Hawks’ recent game against the Brooklyn Nets early. He scored six points in seven minutes before exiting, and the injury has affected his availability for Friday night’s NBA Cup clash with the Pacers.

While reports confirm that Young does not have an ACL injury, the guard’s knee issue is significant. “Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young has no issues with his ACL after leaving Wednesday night’s 117-112 win over the Brooklyn Nets with a right knee sprain,” ESPN’s Tim Bontemps reported Wednesday.

“The most important thing is it is not his ACL. He’s going to get an MRI tonight or tomorrow and make a determination from there. Not sure how long or what, but it’s something he’s hopefully going to be back from whenever possible.” Shortly after Bontemps’ report, the Hawks confirmed that Young’s right knee sprain would make him unavailable on Friday night.

How are the Hawks coming in?

Atlanta has had a disappointing start to the NBA season, entering Friday’s contest with a 2-3 record. However, they are coming off a road victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday night.

In that win, Jalen Johnson led the way with 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 18 points, three rebounds, and three blocks. The Hawks will now aim for back-to-back wins and hope to kick off NBA Cup group play with a key victory over a struggling Pacers squad.

How are the Pacers coming in?

The Indiana Pacers enter Friday’s game winless, having dropped their first four games of the season, including a narrow two-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers in that loss with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Jarace Walker contributed 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. The Pacers will look to find their first win of the season against a Hawks team missing one of its stars.

The Bulls have had a solid start to the 2025–26 season, winning their first two games of the year. While the organization remains in a transition phase focused on developing its young core, the early results have been promising. A key part of that growth is Josh Giddey, who signed a four-year, $100 million deal during the preseason and has quickly become one of Chicago’s most important players.

The Hawks, meanwhile, have started the season 1–2 and are still working to find chemistry with their new additions. Health has also been an issue, as they’ve been without several key starters over the past two games.

This offseason, Atlanta built one of the NBA’s most intriguing lineups by adding Kristaps Porzingis. However, the 7-foot-2 forward-center has already missed the last two games and could be sidelined again as he continues to recover.

Will Josh Giddey play for the Bulls vs Hawks?

The Bulls released their official injury report, listing Giddey as questionable ahead of Monday’s game against the Hawks with a right finger sprain. According to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network, Giddey did not finish Saturday’s game against the Orlando Magic, sitting out the final four minutes and 27 seconds, though it’s unclear if the injury was the reason.

Giddey has been outstanding to start the season, leading Chicago’s offense as a versatile playmaker. Across the first two wins against the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic, he has averaged 20 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7 assists per game, showing his growing importance in Billy Donovan’s rotation.

Will Kristaps Porzingis play for the Hawks vs Bulls?

The Hawks have listed Kristaps Porzingis (flu-like symptoms), Jalen Johnson (right ankle sprain), and Zaccharie Risacher (right ankle sprain) as questionable for Monday’s game — putting three of their key starters at risk of missing time.

For now, Porzingis remains a game-time decision. The Latvian big man needs to stay healthy for Atlanta to reach its full potential, but his recent medical history raises concern. Last season, Porzingis dealt with multiple injuries and was later diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a condition that impacted his availability late in the year.