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The Dallas Mavericks traded for Kristaps Porzingis in 2019 because they viewed him as the perfect complement to Luka Doncic. The Unicorn was a floor-spacing big man that could score 20 points per game and protect the rim. The 2018 All-Star was recovering from a torn ACL, but acquiring the 23-year-old had Dallas dreaming of the dynamic duo that took the NBA by storm for the next decade.
Things have not gone as planned so far. KP has struggled with injuries and to adapt his game to playing off Luka. There have been fewer mid-range jumpers, which have improved his shooting efficiency. Porzingis shot career-high percentages across the board in a “down” 2020-2021 season. Yes, the Unicorn struggled in the playoffs, but the matchup was partially to blame.
Their second straight first-round playoff exit caused upheaval in the Mavs’ leadership. Lead executive Donnie Nelson and head coach Rick Carlisle departed with Nico Harrison and Jason Kidd replacing them. The Hall of Fame point guard has a coaching reputation of unlocking his star players. Can Kidd get Porzingis back to his All-Star form?
How Jason Kidd can unlock Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis
Kidd talked about his excitement to coach Porzingis during his introductory press conference. He noted that entering the offseason healthy was massive, and KP has been in the gym working hard with coach Kidd already.
Unicorn sighting in Dallas, TX ?@BioSteelSports | #DrinkBioSteelNotSugar pic.twitter.com/035ZCbbC0j
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) July 29, 2021
New general manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison shared his thoughts on how Kidd will get the best out of KP.
Porzingis is why Mavs don't have 1st-round pick. Sounds like he's staying. Harrison predicts Kidd will give Porzingis "confidence, put him in positions to be successful, I think that’s going to elevate his play. I think we’re going to get the Porzingis everybody wants to see."
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) July 29, 2021
Kidd is going to empower both Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. He will instill plenty of confidence in both players, but here are five specific ways where Jason Kidd will help KP return to his All-Star form.
Next: No. 5