Dallas Mavericks: 3 Mavs that have failed to meet expectations

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis has failed to meet expectations

Kristaps Porzingis was playing the best basketball of his career inside the bubble before a knee injury ended his season after Game 3 of the Mavs first-round playoff series against the LA Clippers. He had offseason surgery, which caused him to miss the first nine regular-season games. It was always going to take time to get him back up to speed, but KP has still failed to meet expectations.

The Unicorn has produced counting stats and improved his shooting efficiency this season, but he has struggled on the defensive end. The 25-year-old is averaging a career-worst 1.4 blocks per game. He has struggled to protect the rim, and Dallas has a 114.8 defensive rating with Porzingis on the floor. That mark would be the third-worst in the league if the Mavericks produced it over the entire season.

KP has struggled with injuries too. He has played in just 40 of the team’s 64 games so far. The Unicorn is currently out with right knee soreness and could be looking at an extended spell on the sidelines. Often the best ability is availability. Kristaps Porzingis has not given the Mavs enough of that in the 2020-2021 campaign.

The Dallas Mavericks need others to step up and help Luka Doncic if they are going to avoid the play-in tournament. KP’s injury makes that even more important. Fans will not want to miss a second of the action over the next two weeks. Be sure to check back to The Smoking Cuban for plenty more after the games.