Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis too low in ESPN player rank

Dallas Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis too low in ESPN player rank

The Dallas Mavericks unlocked the best version of Kristaps Porzingis during the Walt Disney World restart. He had over 30 points in four of the six seeding games he played in. KP followed it with three incredible playoff performances including 34 points and 13 rebounds in Game 3. Porzingis looked unstoppable heading into Game 4.

The 7’3 big man injured his knee during Game 1, and things worsened heading into Game 4. The Mavs ruled Porzingis out just before tipoff. It would turn out to be the end of his season. Dallas dropped the series in six games, and KP needed surgery to repair his meniscus in October. The 25-year-old will miss the first part of the regular season as he gets back to 100 percent.

ESPN ranked the top 100 players in the NBA. New Maverick Josh Richardson checked in on the first part of the list. Porzingis found his place within players 50 to 11 that was released on Dec. 9 (subscription required). Let us take a look at where the Unicorn landed and why it is too low.

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis should be higher ESPN player rank

ESPN placed KP 41st in this year’s rankings. He was 34th one year ago. The article notes his injuries as the reasons for the slide in the ranks.

In the article, it says Kristaps Porzingis is projected to produce a real plus-minus of 3.7, which is higher than everyone ranked outside the top 30. Porzingis was too good towards the end of last season to not make the top 30. He could average 25 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks per game after he gets back to his full complement of minutes this season.

Expect the 25-year-old to rise next year. Kristaps Porzingis and the Dallas Mavericks are looking to take the next step this season. Do not count them out. It promises to be a fun ride, so do not miss it.