Hoops Habit
Fansided

Dallas Mavericks: 3 reasons retaining Kristaps Porzingis was a no-brainer

By Adam Tayabali

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 5 : Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up prior to the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 5, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - APRIL 5 : Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up prior to the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on April 5, 2019 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images /

2. His fit on the roster

As said before, Kristaps Porzingis’ play style does not clash with Luka Doncic. Doncic is an elite ball-handler with a high basketball IQ. Porzingis is a dynamic, floor-spacing big that doesn’t need to dominate the ball or overdribble to score.

Together, the two could provide the Mavericks with a dominant pick-and-roll game. Porzingis can both run to the rim or step behind the arc for a 3 after setting the screen, and Doncic is skilled as both a passer and scorer to keep defenses honest.

They would complement each other well and they would both have to deal with less pressure and work load than they did when on separate teams. Aside from Doncic, there are other factors that could impact KP’s time in Dallas.

For one, the Mavericks also reached an agreement on an extension with center Dwight Powell, according to The New York Times‘ Marc Stein.

Powell will be KP’s frontcourt mate as starters, barring a signing of a more experienced big. Powell is an effective big man, averaging 10.6 points and 5.3 rebounds in just 21.6 minutes per game despite lacking a reliable 3-point shot.

He and power forward Maxi Kleber will be able to take pressure off Porzingis. The Mavs’ coaching staff will also be sure to manage KP’s minutes in his first season back, seeing as they have him for the next five years.

Head coach Rick Carlisle and company could also have Porzingis play in a role very similar to Dirk Nowitzki in his prime. The future Hall-of-Famer was not as physical in the paint as KP, and his health was consistent over the course of his career. Regardless, he will develop chemistry with the rest of the Mavs’ young core while slowly returning to form.

Home/Dallas Mavericks