Mavericks news: Kristaps Porzingis on Dallas, Jaden Hardy All-Rookie votes, more

Former Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis joined The Ariel Helwani Basketball Show to discuss a host of topics, and his time playing next to Luka Doncic was a focus. Dallas acquired The Unicorn in a 2019 trade as he was recovering from a torn ACL. The Mavs dreamed of having a superstar duo for the next decade, but things did not work out as planned.

Dallas ended their partnership after two playoff appearances by trading him to the Washington Wizards just before their conference finals run in 2022. The Unicorn replied with this when asked why it was not the right fit in Dallas.

"I don’t know. We never played up to that level, and a lot of that is on me. I could have played better. I think we had glimpses before the bubble and during the bubble where I played at a really high level, and we were clicking and things were working well with Luka. Then, I got hurt in the bubble, and then after that, it is a lot of things, but I look at what I could have done better."

KP took the blame for the team’s struggles and shared love for the entire organization when asked about the Mavs' struggles this season.

Porzingis had this to say about showing love to Luka Doncic after the trade.

"Oh, of course. You have to respect this guy. He is one of the best players in the world, and what he has been doing so far in his career, it is incredible. Of course, I wish him well, and I wish Dallas well."

KP also gave props to Jalen Brunson and his current play with another of Porzingis’ former teams, the New York Knicks. The Unicorn also discussed his upcoming free agency, MMA, and more in the must-listen interview for any NBA fan.

More Mavericks news

The NBA announced the All-Rookie teams on Monday afternoon with Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero being a unanimous selection. Mavs rookie Jaden Hardy did not make the team, but he did receive four votes for the second team, despite his limited playing time.

Tim Cato published his annual Mavericks fans survey that is a must-read (subscription required).

NBA news

Lonnie Walker was the unexpected hero with 15 fourth-quarter points to lift the Lakers over the defending champion Warriors on Monday night. LA is up 3-1 in the series with things heading back to San Francisco for Game 5. Can the Lakers close it out on the road?

Jalen Brunson had 32 points, but it was not enough as the Miami Heat won on Monday night to go up 3-1 in the series. The Knicks will return home with their season on the line on Wednesday evening.

Nikola Jokic was fined $25,000, but he will not be suspended for making contact with Suns owner Mat Ishbia during Game 4. The pivotal Game 5 in the 2-2 series takes place on Tuesday night.

The Dallas Mavericks offseason is about to heat up. The 2023 NBA Draft Lottery takes place on May 16, and it will be one of the biggest nights in franchise history. Do not miss it.