Dallas Mavericks: 3 bold predictions for the 2021-22 season
By Lance Legere
Dallas Mavericks bold prediction: 1. Luka and KP find their footing
When the Mavericks acquired Kristaps Porzingis in 2019, many dreamed about the kind of pairing Doncic and Porzingis could become. While we have seen flashes, the consistency has never been found for the young duo.
This certainly has put a fork in the Mavs future plans as the hope was by this time Dallas would be surefire title contenders with both players in the prime of their careers.
The pick-and-roll potential is among some of the best in the league. Doncic has the basketball on a string and Porzingis as a pick-and-pop shooter or roll man certainly can give opposing teams fits defensively.
Injuries have also plagued most of KP’s time in a Dallas uniform, and a short offseason after a meniscus in the bubble certainly didn’t help Porzingis find his rhythm last year. Fans are hoping that last season was a year to rehab and truly build himself up for a bounce-back season.
The tension between Doncic and Porzingis has become more and more apparent these past two seasons and has become a factor in Dallas’ success. KP still views himself as a top player in the league and expects to be treated like one. His use as just a spot-up shooter with minimal touches certainly created problems within the organization.
Jason Kidd has said all of the right things so far about how he views Porzingis and how he plans to use him, now it is about executing and making him a focal point once again.
Luka can ultimately decide how this all plays out. The ball will be in his hands and it is his job to get KP more involved. This is not to say that he hasn’t done that already, but it must be a focal point of the Mavs gameplan to have these two in situations to make plays together offensively.
It is KP’s job to stay on the floor and be healthy enough to contribute not only offensively but on the defensive side as well. Porzingis was one of the most versatile defenders during his time in New York. If he can find that athleticism once again, his defensive effort could turn into offensive opportunities.
With a full offseason and a new head coach that plans to use him differently, Porzingis must perform up to expectations.
While it is a prediction that Luka and Porzingis work out, there is really no other option for Dallas at this point if they don’t. Everything hinges on this duo leading the Mavericks to the promised land, or else major changes will be made this summer, or even at the deadline if things get out of hand quickly.