Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis on his knee, the team and more

Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis on his knee, the team, and more

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis was playing the best basketball of his career during the Walt Disney World restart. KP averaged over 30 points and nine rebounds a night during the seeding games. He dropped 23 and seven in the Game 2 playoff win against the Clippers before having 34 and 13 in Game 3. The Unicorn looked unstoppable before suddenly being ruled out for Game 4.

It turned out KP tore his meniscus in the playoff opener. He powered through the injury for two more games, but things became worse heading into Game 4. The injury ended his season and required surgery in October. Porzingis is still rehabbing his way back to 100 percent at the start of training camp.

The 25-year-old big man met with the media for the first time this season on Thursday. KP discussed a wide range of topics including his health and the team. Let us take a look.

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis on his knee, the team, and more

KP had this to say about not ruling out the possibility of playing in the Mavs Christmas Day game against the Lakers.

"“I’m not. I feel good. I’m making big steps forward in my progress, and I just want to be out there as soon as possible. I want to be out there for Christmas and play those games, but we’ll see. That is me talking. That is not the medical staff talking. So, we’ll see what’s the timeline for me.”"

The Unicorn later acknowledged that he could miss a few games to start the regular season, but he will be back and ready to go in short order. The 7’3 big man expressed his excitement about his second season in Dallas throughout the interview.

Porzingis was asked his thoughts on his injury history. See his quote below.

"“Obviously, I’ve had two big injuries. The ACL is one of the toughest things you could have, and honestly, I’ve recovered really well from it. It changes if these were non-contact injuries. Then, it would be much more concerning, but because they’ve been contact injuries, those things can happen and I just have to do everything possible I can to make sure my body is strong. That my ligaments are strong, and I feel comfortable and confident on the court when I’m playing after the injuries.”"

The Unicorn went on to say that after getting healthy, he goes all out on the court with no doubts. KP is ready to get back out there and contribute.

Porzingis was asked about the team’s standing in the Western Conference to which he responded the following.

"“I think we have to be up there in the Western Conference. Obviously, it is a tough conference with a lot of really good teams, a lot of experienced teams, but I believe we have to make that next step this season. The highest expectations we can imagine. That has to be our end goal. I don’t know when we will get there, but we are working towards that, and I believe this going to be a great year for us.”"

It was a fantastic interview by the Unicorn which fans can check out below.

Expect Kristaps Porzingis to be back in January. He will take some time to ramp up, but fans could see a new best version of the Unicorn this season. KP is entering his prime and thrives in the Dallas Mavericks system. Stay tuned for what should be a special year.