Dallas Mavericks: 5 takeaways from open practice

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Dallas Mavericks, Kristaps Porzingis / Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Takeaway from Dallas Mavericks open practice: 1. KP’s new role

Kristaps Porzingis was more involved in the offense during the open practice. He started most possessions operating from the elbows and got several post-up opportunities over the 40-minute scrimmage. KP finished with 14 points on six of 11 shooting the field as he tied for the third-highest scoring mark in the contest.

Porzingis looked to be more comfortable and in the flow of the offense. He was relegated to spot-up shooting duty in the playoffs against the LA Clippers, but coach Kidd wants him to be the Unicorn again. KP improved his efficiency under former coach Rick Carlisle, and it appeared the 7’3 big man was mixing some of those actions in on Sunday. It could be All-Star Porzingis combined with improved efficiency to lead to a career year.

Kristaps Porzingis is still settling into his new role, but he looks energized with the freedom of his expanding his game. Fans should expect monster numbers from the Unicorn this season as he attempts to make his second All-Star team and help the Dallas Mavericks continue climbing the standings.

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Fans should not take anything that happened during open practice too seriously. It was just a scrimmage between teammates that the blue team won 72-57. New head coach Jason Kidd has the Mavs communicating and bringing the energy. They promise to be one of the NBA’s most exciting teams this season, so be sure to catch all the action.