Dallas Mavericks: Tim MacMahon on team’s Kristaps Porzingis situation

The Dallas Mavericks were bounced in the first round of the playoffs by the LA Clippers in seven games. Superstar Luka Doncic was incredible, but it was not enough. The loss set forth a chain reaction that has seen both general manager and president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson and head coach Rick Carlisle exit the franchise after over a decade together in Dallas.

The departures have added another element of importance to an already crucial offseason for the franchise. They must improve the roster around Luka. He averaged 35.7 points, 10.3 assists, and 7.9 rebounds in their playoff series, but the team still lost. The Mavericks need more talent to continue their climb up the standings.

Kristaps Porzingis was virtually a decoy in the team’s playoff series. The 7’3 big man is on a max contract and had a rough year on the defensive end of the floor. ESPN’s Tim MacMahon joined the Lowe Post podcast to discuss the Mavericks’ recent turmoil. They go in-depth on KP and the current situations plaguing the organization. Here is a closer look.

Dallas Mavericks need to sort out the Kristaps Porzingis situation

Lowe and MacMahon discussed the Mavs roster at length. They got deep into how Dallas does not have enough top-tier talent. The Mavericks need for a second star pushed Kristaps Porzingis front and center into the conversation. MacMahon had this to say about this summer.

"“This offseason is about how they deal with the Porzingis problem. The problem is you either need him to be the second star or the ticket to a second star. It’s hard seeing either of those things.”"

He continued to discuss the KP from New York trade and how the Mavs true mistake was handing him a max contract with no injury protections. MacMahon followed with this.

"“You got the Porzingis/Luka dynamic, which is awkward at best. Just plain and simple, Porzingis is not at all enjoying playing for Dallas. It’s not like he’s going to storm in there and demand a trade, but I don’t think his heart would be broken if the Mavericks traded him this summer.”"

There was plenty more discussion about KP’s recent play, the matchup against the Clippers, and the need for the Unicorn to be at the five in the playoffs. MacMahon closed with another telling quote.

"“What really complicates it is the fact that Porzingis and Luka do not like each other. Cuban always wants to throw out Dirk and Jet is an example of a relationship that evolved and those sorts of things. Perhaps that happens, but there is a lot of those kinds of issues at all different levels of the Mavericks. It is a franchise that I don’t think has been cautious and caring enough about the human element.”"

Tim MacMahon dropped a ton of Mavericks nuggets on the Lowe Post podcast on June 17, including talk of Bob Voulgaris, the team’s front office turmoil, Donnie Nelson, Rick Carlisle, and more. Fans have to listen to the episode when they have time.

The Dallas Mavericks have a plethora of important decisions to make this offseason. It will be a franchise-altering three months before training camp begins in September. Stay tuned to see how the Mavs solve it.