Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis missed five games earlier this season due to lower back stiffness, raising concerns that 2021/22 might be another injury-plagued year for the former Knick. However, in nine games since returning to the lineup, Porzingis has averaged 23.9 PPG and 8.9 RPG on .510/.377/.932 shooting.
Before putting up 30 points in a Tuesday win over the Clippers, Porzingis told Mark Medina of NBA.com that he’s not currently dealing with any health issues.
“I feel great,” Porzingis said. “My body is feeling the best that it’s felt in a long time.”
Prior to last season’s trade deadline, reports surfaced indicating that the Mavs had been gauging the potential market for Porzingis. Team owner Mark Cuban denied those rumors at the time and, speaking to Medina, continued to dispute that Dallas ever shopped the former lottery pick.
“That’s not true. Why would I do that at all?” Cuban said. “Trades like that, you always end up further behind. When you trade a superstar, you never get the best end of it.”
The Mavs’ owner added that Porzingis is playing at an All-Star level and is “doing more and more unicorn things” this season.
“I’ve always believed that KP hasn’t played his best basketball yet. Now you’re seeing why we didn’t trade him,” Cuban said. “He’s a great player. He’s a good dude. All of my experiences with him have been positive. So why would we do that? But that’s NBA Twitter and that’s Mavs Twitter. That’s what they do. They’re probably trying to trade Luka (Doncic) right now.”
Here are a few more items of interest from Medina’s feature on Porzingis:
- Porzingis didn’t share details on what sort of offseason workouts he completed, but said he spent the summer devoted to “a lot of physical work” and believes it’s paying off this season, per Medina. “I feel like my body has matured,” he said. “I feel strong on the court. It’s translating into my game.”
- Porzingis acknowledged that he didn’t always feel comfortable with his role under former Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle and said he has noticed a difference since Jason Kidd‘s arrival: “My teammates have been trusting me. The coaching staff is trusting me and putting me in my most comfortable situations.”
- There have been whispers in recent years that Porzingis and Doncic haven’t exactly built the strongest relationship, but KP says the Mavs’ two stars are “communicating more” this year and that he believes they can become one of the NBA’s best duos. “It’s all in the communication,” he said. “It’s as simple as that. Problems arise when you don’t communicate about things, and you don’t talk about it. So, we’re learning those things.”
How many oft injured guys state at the beginning of the season that they feel better than ever then come Feb or Mar they are out? Are they trying the “mind over matter” bit?
Imo his issues all come down to weight. He’s a legit 7’3” guy. He’s gotta play Center. But he doesn’t like the blocks. Cause he gets pushed around. So gain muscle and weight. You can still shoot. But he has to play center to have sustained success. Mavs can also help him by getting a big wide PF. Take some of pressure off of him. A big Defensive 4 who rebs. He will always be hurt at 235-240 LBs.
That’s exactly what they do with Powell/Kleber. Catch up Al
Yeah and it’s working so well. Hurt all last yr. And now we are praising for 9 gms. The day you make a point will be the first time. Guy has not played more than he has played. And hasn’t contributed to any success. He’s only here cause NY fans put him on map. A map he can’t navigate lol. Are you his relative. Cause you should cook for him. Manjaa.
Knicker I think KP is a sore subject for you. He broke your heart and you can’t stand him doing great now with another team. I thought you were better than that. You are entering into GreenWood territory now.
Al’s far past that. More like he is entering Marty McRae territory.
Until KP6 can stay healthy for longer than 10 games, or learn to play through some discomfort, his team won’t be able to exploit his special skill set. He’ll fall back into the secondary role that seems to cause him angst.
Unicorns are fun to watch, and lead watchers to consider the possibilities, but if they’re only there for half of a team’s games, the team can’t treat them as a foundation piece.
Never happen at 235 LBs. I guess jbl thinks milk will get it done. Straight calcium. Guys a twig.
Just wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Hope you are able to enjoy the long weekend. Cheers
Cuban is so right, DAL will always lose if they trade KP6, as you never get value when you trade a superstar, sad but true!
I really think Carlisle was at fault last year & he hasn’t learned much, he had a very easy job in IND… you give the ball to Sabonis & let him play, every single possession, but no Carlisle can’t even get that one right!
Seems that he doesn’t like bigs that can play, so he makes them look bad (KP6 & Sabonis) I mean Sabonis has the potential to be in the convo for MVP but this year he has regressed & the team is losing, so all of this in Carlisle, just get rid of him like ASAP!
Sabonis stats
34 mins, 18 pts, 11 rebs, 3.7 ast, .573% FG
After 19 games ….. I doubt you watch Pacers
You are salty and it is hilarious.
ALL of his shooting percentages are down AND his rebounds are down 1 per game. He’s taking more shots, that shouldn’t be applauded.
KP needs to play the 4 and not the middle. He has always been more effective picking up the drive from behind to defend, and a better reach in rebounder than boxing out others. Defense has been the underlying question and how well his body can withstand it. Coming off the injury he had, it’s best to let him play free safety around the paint perimeter so he doesn’t have to put too much pressure on his knees. His lateral movement is for sh….
Until KP plays a full season maybe miss a game or two for load mgmt. Then we will know he is truly healthy. I hope he doesn’t go into his annual injury layoff because that will just prove everyone right. When he returns he will be like a new signing to the team(Ala Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal FC Manager), just saying.