Mavericks: 5 players for Kristaps Porzingis to study during the hiatus

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Dallas Mavericks Kristaps Porzingis (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images) /

3. Bob Pettit

How about a throwback player? Bob Pettit played 11 NBA seasons from 1954 to 1965. He did not shoot any 3-pointers because the line was not invented until 1979. That does not mean that Porzingis cannot learn a thing or two from the 11-time All-Star and Hall of Famer.

Pettit is one of the best big men of all-time. He averaged 26.4 points, 16.2 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game for his career. Pettit had one of the best jumpers in the league during his time. Learn more about Pettit from this documentary.

Porzingis could get a few tips on how to draw fouls. Pettit averaged 10.3 free throws per game for his career.

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It was a different game when the Hawks legend played, but KP could study his rebounding ability and motor. Pettit was tenacious on the glass including averaging 20.3 rebounds per game in 1961.

His ability on the offensive glass stood out. Mavericks forward Dorian Finney-Smith excels there, so Porzingis improving could vault Dallas into one of the best in the league. They were already ninth this season.

Bob Pettit was a special talent. He would have been outstanding in today’s game. Kristaps Porzingis can take plenty of lessons from the all-time great.

Next: No. 2