Dallas Mavericks: How the Mavs are unlocking Kristaps Porzingis

Way Dallas Mavericks are unlocking Kristaps Porzingis: 5. Starting at the four

Basketball-Reference classified KP as playing 100 percent of his minutes at center this season. In lineups when he is sharing the floor with Dwight Powell, Porzingis is the four or power forward. Powell is the Mavs roll man with KP spacing on the perimeter. Coach Rick Carlisle has started the last two games with both Porzingis and Powell in the frontcourt.

KP has played minutes at center in both games. He has noted his preference is to play the five in the Mavericks offense because it allows him to be more involved. Carlisle uses the center as the primary screen setter in the pick and roll. Porzingis wants those responsibilities.

The Unicorn has been plenty involved, though. He has put up 33 shots in 56 minutes since returning from his knee injury. On the season, Porzingis averages 16 attempts per game in 30.9 minutes a night. Dallas needs 20-plus points per game from him if they are going to pull an upset in the first round of the playoffs, so expect plenty of touches.

The shift in position has allowed the Mavericks to get the 7’3 big man involved in other ways. He is posting up less and being more active on the floor. Let us take a closer look.

Next: No. 4