Dallas Mavericks: 3 teams that need to trade for Kristaps Porzingis

By Zamir Bueno | Jun 12, 2021

DALLAS, TEXAS - APRIL 21: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts to a shot against the Detroit Pistons in the second quarter at American Airlines Center on April 21, 2021 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. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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Dallas Mavericks Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Kristaps Porzingis is an ideal big man to complement New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson

The New Orleans Pelicans have a superstar in Zion Williamson who does most of his offensive damage in the restricted area. Williamson has shot 63.5 percent in the restricted area on 13.3 attempts per game in his first two seasons. The shooting percentage allows him to score 16.9 points: 65.8 percent of his scoring output.

Unfortunately, Zion Williamson has had to work through a lot of traffic to make the most of his damage as the New Orleans Pelicans struggle from behind during the regular season. The Pelicans ranked 26th in 3-point percentage during the regular season, shooting 34.8 percent from behind the arc on 30.8 attempts.

The lack of 3-point shooting enables opposing teams to have multiple bodies near the basket to stop Zion Williamson. Consequently, he led the league in contested shots, averaging 14.9 per game.

Therefore, a player like Kristaps Porziņģis would be ideal for them as he would give their 3-point shooting a boost, and remove at least one body from the paint, giving Zion a little more space to maneuver near the basket.

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