Dallas Mavericks: 3 things they must do before the start of next season

Dallas Mavericks must have a defined role for Kristaps Porzingis

Assuming Kristaps Porzingis is back with the Mavericks for the 2021-2022 season, head coach Rick Carlisle has to do better in utilizing the 7’3 big man from Latvia.

During the regular season, it seemed like KP was never able to get into a grove and mesh organically with the offense. Everything seemed forced almost like he was trying to do too much, but the Unicorn still averaged 20.1 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Those are impressive numbers considering the circumstances.

The playoffs were a different story. Porzingis averaged 13.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. The performance was outright terrible. If he was to look how he did in the regular season, many believe the Mavs would have won the series versus the Clippers.

Not all is his fault, though. Coach Carlisle mainly used KP as a floor-spacing decoy. He didn’t get him involved in the pick and roll, and rarely gave the Unicorn plays that would flow through him.

Going forward, Carlisle must have a game plan for Kristaps Porzingis. He makes way too much money and is way more talented than a 3-point decoy. Luckily for KP, he enters the offseason finally healthy for the first time in his NBA career.