NBA: 30 reasons to be excited for 2019-20 season
11. Luka and Porzingis together at last
Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis have been teammates since February, but KP’s ACL recovery kept him off the court following his trade to the Dallas Mavericks. Fully healthy and newly signed, the 7’3” unicorn will pair with the reigning Rookie of the Year to form a duo ready to win both now and tomorrow.
How quickly the public forgets Porzingis’ greatness before going down, having averaged 22.7 points per game along with 6.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 2017-18. He was a first-time All-Star that season, as unique a talent as there is who will now have the benefit of playing alongside one of the game’s craftiest playmakers.
Here's what #Mavs guard JJ Barea told me about Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. "Those two could be the best duo in the league if they get it right. If they help each other out, if they support each other and respect each other they’re going to have a great time.” @NBA
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) September 27, 2019
Already an accomplished ballplayer overseas, Doncic didn’t miss a beat upon transitioning to the NBA with rookie numbers that expanded a one-man group of Oscar Robertson. A tremendous offensive threat, the man who had to do plenty for Dallas last season will have the luxury of an equally capable 20-point-per-game scorer who will stretch defenses to their breaking point.
Mark Cuban has long been agonizing over the fumble that would’ve kept Steve Nash in Dallas to pair with Dirk Nowitzki long term. In Doncic and Porzingis, the Mavericks owner has his shot at redemption, an updated version of the Hall of Fame talents who could very well head down the same path.