Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis’ injury needs to be managed like Dirk Nowitzki’s in 2003

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis’ injury needs to be managed as Dirk Nowitzki’s was in 2003

The Dallas Mavericks are participating in their first NBA playoffs since 2016. As the seventh-seed facing the championship-contending Clippers, the expectations for the first round were relatively low coming in.

Kristaps Porzingis was ejected in the game one loss. Luka Doncic dealt with foul trouble in game two, but Dallas pulled out a victory. The 21-year-old superstar sprained his ankle in game three as the Clippers took the lead. Then, Dallas overcame a 21-point deficit to knot the series at two. It was more than anyone expected.

Unfortunately heading into game five, KP was ruled out for the second straight game. The Mavericks lost 154-111 as the Clippers fired on all cylinders.

Kristaps Porzingis misses two straight with knee soreness: Similar to Dirk Nowitzki in 2003

In what are undoubtedly the two biggest games in Porzingis’ career, he is forced to sit out, and the Mavs are now down 3-2 in the series. Without KP the rest of the series will be even more challenging. The Mavs may not recover this season. Dallas already exceeded expectations. In order to continue to grow next season, they need a healthy Unicorn.

Injuries have always been a scary topic when it comes to KP, so it makes sense that the Mavericks want to be cautious. Knee injuries are even scarier. Many NBA and New York Knicks fans have been quick to call Porzingis “soft”, but in no way is that true. The Unicorn proved he is not someone to be messed with as he stood up for his teammates multiple times against the Clippers.

If KP had it his way he would be in the game, but knee injuries are no joke. The doctors know what’s best. If resting Porzingis elongates the 25-year-old’s prime than it is definitely worth it. People will say that he should fight through it and try to play, but Dirk Nowitzki‘s knee injury in 2003 is all the evidence the Mavericks need.

Next: Dirk in 2003 to KP in 2020

How Dallas Mavericks GOAT Dirk Nowitzki’s 2003 playoff injury compares to Kristaps Porzingis’ in 2020

In 2003, the Mavericks finished 60-22 which tied the Spurs for the best record in the West. Due to division rules, the Mavs were moved down to the three seed for the playoffs, and the Kings took over the two seed.

Dirk led the way that season averaging 25.1 points per game and was very close to a 50/40/90 season. The Mavericks beat the Blazers and Kings in the first two rounds of the playoffs and faced the Spurs in the Western Conference Finals.

The Mavericks needed seven games to beat both the Blazers and the Kings, so the playoffs had already been a long battle. Dallas won game one against the Spurs before losing two straight. Tim Duncan scored over 30 in each of the first three games. Dirk Nowitzki sprained his knee during game three. Questionable for game four, Dirk wanted desperately to try and play.

Sports Illustrated reported that owner Mark Cuban wanted Dirk to play in game four, but head coach Don Nelson thought he should sit. SI quoted Don Nelson as saying, “I didn’t want to jeopardize this great young player’s career for a basketball game, no matter how important it seemed at the time”.

While Dirk could have played and stayed healthy, there is no guarantee of what the long term effects would have been.

Resting Dirk may have caused the Mavericks to lose one series, but they may have lost anyway. If Nowitzki’s knee received more damage, his prime may end sooner. That could mean fewer broken records or the Mavericks not winning a title in 2011. With instant gratification and the desire to focus solely on the present, it is easy to lose sight of the future.

That leads us back to Kristaps Porzingis’ injury right now.

Next: Trust the medical staff

Trust the Dallas Mavericks medical staff with Kristaps Porzingis’ injury

The percentage calculator estimates that just 0.000038 percent of the world’s population is over seven feet tall. Of that small number, the NBA has seen time and time again how knee injuries destroy tall players’ careers. Greg Oden never had a chance due to his knees. Yao Ming was out of the league after a very short prime because his legs gave out.

If the Mavs went all in and let Dirk Nowitzki play in 2003, the chances he flamed out early like Ming are much higher.

All the joy and glory of the 2011 championship or the 21 years as a Maverick are probably much different if Nowitzki added unnecessary miles to his knees in 2003. While winning is always the goal, sometimes its valuable to give up some now for more later.

Mark Cuban has preached that he wants Kristaps Porzingis and Luka Doncic together for decades. Health will be a massive part of that. Last year in the playoffs, the world watched Kevin Durant play when he probably should not have and tear his Achilles. With a history of knee injuries, that Mavericks have a duty to protect the health of Porzingis.

KP and the Mavericks will bounce back. The Unicorn will continue to grow with Luka. At 21 and 25 years old, the Mavericks have one of the brightest futures in the NBA.

Just like Dirk, KP is competitive and he wants to play, so do not knock him for sitting out. The Dallas Mavericks are already ahead of schedule, so fans should be happy with the direction of this team. They should not take risks that could jeopardize the future.