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Dallas Mavericks: The Kristaps Porzingis integration is struggling

By Reid Hanson

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 25: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 25: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 25, 2019 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /
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Kristaps Porzingis has struggled finding his role on the Dallas Mavericks this season and his overall integration is falling short of offseason expectations, but that can still change…

Dallas Mavericks fans rejoiced last winter when the Mavs pulled off a massive trade that brought them former All-Star, Kristaps Porzingis. Nicknamed, “The Unicorn”, Porzingis boasts 7-foot-3 height, athleticism, outside range, and mid-range post moves uncommon for a man his size.

Paired with budding superstar, Luka Doncic, the two looked like an unstoppable force for years to come. Just imagining how unguardable they’d be on a pick-and-roll sent shivers up our spines.  But so far this season our dreams have not become reality, and KP’s fit is proving to be illusive. Is this a failure or are we being impatient?

Popular sentiment around Mavs Nation is that patience is required. The season is young, attitudes are right, and it’s only a matter of time before KP finds his place on this team. But after Monday’s 4-point performance there’s a growing portion of the fanbase who think this may never really get worked out.

First, it’s important to point what kind of struggles we’re dealing with. It’s not like Monday’s stat line is typical of KP’s production this season. It was the outlier and to treat it as more than that is being disingenuous. As a whole Kristaps has been more than just serviceable.

On the season, KP is averaging 19.3 points, 7.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists. While the points per game are down from his 22.7 in his last season, his rebounds and assists are actually up this season. Traditional stat lines say he’s doing quite well, but a deeper dive provides some cause for concern.

Watching him play, it’s clear he hasn’t regained his legs. You can see it in on his breaks and in his shot. His .401 field goal percentage is a career low. This isn’t entirely surprising given the time away from the game and the whole “leg issue” that we just discussed.

Said KP to Sports Illustrated:

"“I played a lot of pickup in the offseason and I was trying to find rhythm and then all the little details about the game, the contact, where the contact is going to come and game feel, decision making and the speed is different in the game. That’s the thing that I have to still keep getting used to.”"

While KP is providing plenty in the shot-blocking department, he’s still a ways away from providing true value-added to the starting lineup. The most used combo of players Rick Carlisle has trotted out this season is made up of KP, Luka, Dorian Finney-Smith, Seth Curry, and Dwight Powell. They are sitting at a difficult to digest -25 net rating.

It’s clear things just aren’t clicking for the team when KP is in the game but…

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It’s so ridiculously early to panic and the needle is so clearly pointed up, optimism must reign supreme for MFFL. Keep in mind, Porzingis sat out 20 months. He moved to a new city, he’s playing with all new players, and is trying to integrate into an all new system. And it’s not just that. Anyone who knows Rick Carlisle knows he’s always tinkering and will not settle on a “system” until he’s convinced it’s the absolute most optimal.

The Dallas Mavericks are still searching for their identity and it’s clear they need to find that identity WITH KP – not just force KP to conform to the identity.

"“I think we just showed [Kristaps] we can get him ready,” Mark Cuban said. “We’ve got a great culture. He’s going to get the ball where he wants it, how he wants it. He’s going to get more threes up. He’s going to be closer to the basket. Things that are enticing to any great player. The guy is a bona fide superstar. He’s putting up ungodly numbers and he’s still rusty. Can you imagine where he’s going to get to?”"

The Dallas Mavericks are 6-4, in the playoff picture, and run the NBA’s top ranked offense. The situation is far from dire or urgent. Additionally, KP is signed on for the next four seasons so it’s safe to say there’s plenty of time to get this all hashed out.

What’s important to admit is things look good, even if he’s struggling mightily. It’s fine to admit this is a work in progress and things need to improve. But we must also admit the struggles are understandable and everyone’s working to remedy them.

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dark. Next. Luka is already a top-10 player in the NBA

Kristaps Porzingis is struggling to find his groove with the Dallas Mavericks and that’s perfectly OK. The Mavs have time and talent on their side and KP is every bit the perfect fit today as he seemed before the season began.

  • Published on 11/14/2019 at 12:00 PM
  • Last updated at 11/14/2019 at 20:56 PM
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