BOSTON (United States) - Kristaps Porzingis has confirmed he will represent Latvia at FIBA EuroBasket 2025, declaring that only injury could prevent him from suiting up for the national team this summer.
The 28-year-old Boston Celtics star made his intentions clear to Sportacentrs.com during a videoconference for international media, when asked about Latvia's highly anticipated return to EuroBasket, which the country will co-host in Riga from August 27 to September 14.
"Health is the main thing – then everything else will follow."
"Whether I want to play for the national team or not – that's a silly question," Porzingis said.
"The past few summers didn't work out because I was injured. I've never refused the national team. When I haven't played, it's because of injuries."
He added: "This summer, I'll be there! Health is the main thing – then everything else will follow."
Porzingis last suited up for the national team during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 European Qualifiers, averaging 25.5 points, 14.0 rebounds and 3.0 blocks across two appearances.
Latvia have been drawn in Group A alongside Serbia, Czechia, Türkiye, Estonia and Portugal for the Group Phase.
While the nation missed the 2022 edition of the event, expectations are high after a historic fifth-place finish at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.
An injury kept Porzingis out of the last major FIBA event, but he still traveled to support his national team in Indonesia and the Philippines.
FIBA