Mavericks: What to expect of Kristaps Porzingis this season

Kristaps Porzingis’ role with the Dallas Mavericks in the upcoming 2021-22 season is set to be expanded.

On media day, Jason Kidd, the Mavericks’ new head coach, told reporters that he wants Porzingis to be more than just a stretch big and to be himself again.

The new coaching regime could unlock another level of Porzingis’ potential after seeing it stall so far in Dallas.

Kristaps Porzingis’ role was diminished to best fit Luka Doncic. But under a new head coach, his role should expand with the Dallas Mavericks.

Porzingis ended last season on a sour note in terms of his on-court play and role on the Mavericks.

The 7’3″ center averaged 13.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game on 47.2 percent from the field and 29.6 percent from 3 in seven playoff games last year. And during that first-round series against the LA Clippers, he scored single digits three times.

For a maximum-contract player who is supposed to be the secondary star, the stats are underwhelming. Some blame can be placed on his role and usage within the offense. Despite shooting 29.6 percent from distance, Porzingis was often utilized as a stretch big.

Spreading the floor allowed for superstar teammate Luka Doncic to operate best, and he dazzled in that playoff series, averaging 35.7 points, 10.3 assists and 7.9 rebounds per game on 49.0 percent from the field and 40.8 percent on 3-pointers.

Former head coach Rick Carlisle — now the head coach of the Indiana Pacers — noted how Porzingis’ floor spacing benefits Doncic, according to Tim MacMahon of ESPN. Carlisle also said, in 2019, that a post-up shot isn’t a “good play” even for someone like Porzingis.

Generally, Porzingis has performed well as a stretch big, slotting at the center position most often. In 43 games during the 2020-21 regular season, he averaged 20.1 points and 8.9 rebounds per game on 47.6 percent from the floor and 37.6 percent from distance.

But performing well is different than continuing his growth, something many expected after dominating early on for the New York Knicks.

Kidd wants Porzingis to feel comfortable on the court and showcase a multitude of skills on offense.

"“There’s no limitations on just shooting 3s,” Kidd said. “Being able to roll, to be able to shoot the mid range, to be able to put the ball on the floor. I want him to be who he is, and that’s a basketball player and not just be limited to shooting 3s or crashing from the corner.”"

This role would be similar to what Porzingis had in New York, where Kidd said “the unicorn was born.” However, New York did not have a top-10 talent in Doncic, so the role will differ.

Unlike Carlisle, Kidd wants to use Porzingis in the post, and the 7-footer said he even added muscle in the offseason. He’s listed at 240 pounds right now which is what he was last offseason. Porzingis did not say what his weight is after his muscle gain.

In terms of defense, Porzingis should still remain a good shot blocker. His added muscle should benefit defending post players and his height and length have always been big factors on this end.

The big difference for this season? Kidd said Porzingis will start at power forward but may see time at center, too. Last season, Porzingis played center.

It raises the question of how Porzingis will match with perimeter players. He’s not the quickest player, especially not laterally. And with the league typically running small-ball fours, it seems less than ideal for Porzingis to play this spot.

Porzingis primarily played power forward in New York, though he did weigh less — 223 pounds in his rookie season. Kidd could be experimenting to see if he can employ Porzingis the same way the Knicks did.

It’s unclear who would start at center as the Mavericks have a multitude of quality bigs such as Maxi Kleber, Willie Cauley-Stein, Dwight Powell and Boban Marjanovic. If last season is an indication, Kleber could be the center since he started 40 of the 50 games he played — some were alongside Porzingis but Kleber primarily played the four.

Kidd sees the lineup flowing in a position-less basketball style. He said he doesn’t focus on power forwards and centers, but rather he wants the best five on the floor.

Tim Hardaway Jr., who has been teammates with Porzingis since the 2017-18 season, said he’s never seen a more focused Porzingis and that the 7-footer wants to return to his All-Star form from before his ACL injury.

Says Hardaway; “People, be ready.”