Dallas Mavericks: Reminder Kristaps Porzingis is an elite NBA talent

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis will soon play his first games for the team. Here is a reminder just how good Kristaps Porzingis is at basketball.

The Dallas Mavericks signed Kristaps Porzingis to a five-year max contract this offseason. They gave him a player option for the 2023-2024 season. The Mavs relinquished three starters and two first round picks to acquire the Unicorn from the Knicks including former building block Dennis Smith Jr.

That is a ton to do for a player that has not played in an NBA game since February 2018. Here is a reminder that Kristaps Porzingis is worth it.

Production

Kristaps Porzingis is capable of producing a stat line no other player can match. During the 2017-2018 season, he averaged 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.9 3-pointers made, and 2.4 blocks in 32.4 minutes per game. Porzingis led the NBA in block percentage and shot 39.5 percent from 3-point range.

He is the dream in the modern NBA. KP is an elite defender that can space the floor and knock down threes at a massive clip. He is the only player in NBA history to average over 20 points and two blocks per game while shooting over 37 percent from 3-point range for a season. Porzingis lives up to his Unicorn nickname by producing a unique stat line.

Eye test

Kristaps Porzingis can do things on the court that nobody else can too. He is 7’3 with speed, lengthy, and shooting ability. Porzingis was an All-Star in 2018 as a 22-year-old. He is a player that forces fans to fixate on him because they know another astonishing play is right around the corner. Here are his highlights from the 2017-2018 season.

Dirk’s thoughts

The Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki has been effusive with his praise for Porzingis. It started with this comment the day Dallas acquired him from the Knicks.

The legend recently discussed the team’s potential to be great with Luka Doncic and Porzingis leading the way.

Hall of Famer?

If the stats, eye test, and praise on an all-time great are not enough, then consider this. The Mavericks were discussed on ESPN’s The Jump on Thursday. Dave McMenamin mentioned an NBA trainer told him that he believed Porzingis was a Hall of Famer. That is lofty praise for any player. The Unicorn needs to stay healthy, but that is the type of talent the Mavs have in Porzingis.

Dallas Mavericks fans should be excited about the season. Training camp is a week away. The team should be exciting and building toward a special future. The Smoking Cuban will be here covering it all for supporters, so please return regularly.