Mavericks: Kristaps Porzingis shares excitement for 2021-2022 season

The Dallas Mavericks started the 2021-2022 season with media day on Sept. 27. It was the first time fans got to see the new additions in their uniform and a chance to see and hear from the entire team after an offseason of work.

Last season, the Mavs were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second straight year as Kristaps Porzingis struggled to produce against the LA Clippers. Dallas needs more from the Unicorn if they are going to contend for a championship in 2022, and new head coach Jason Kidd plans of changing KP’s role. Everyone wants him to return to his All-Star form.

Porzingis shared his excitement and confidence heading into his third full season in Dallas on media day. Here is a closer look at his comments and what they mean heading into training camp.

Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis is excited for the 2021-2022 season

Porzingis had this to say about the role Kidd is planning on playing him in this season.

"He’s trying to put me in the situations where I can be the best player, take the most out of my skill set, and that’s extremely important. For me, that gives me confidence. He wants me to be comfortable out there, and he told me, if you have anything, communicate. How you want yourself to be used, let me know and we can talk about it and figure out ways, so for me as a player that is huge, and that is a really good first step in building and being a good team."

Porzingis went on to note that he believes he will be more active in the post, and it will help him perform better. The Mavericks season hinges on KP’s production. Fans know Luka Doncic is going to shine in the regular season and playoffs, but Dallas needs Porzingis playing at an All-Star level to advance in the postseason. Can new head coach Jason Kidd help unlock that production? Fans will be watching closely all season.

Kidd had this to say about KP during media day, courtesy of Callie Caplan.

The Mavericks will have to figure out the starting center spot with Maxi Kleber, Dwight Powell, Willie Cauley-Stein, Boban Marjanovic, and Moses Brown all competing for minutes at the position if Porzingis plays the four. It will be interesting to see how things change for the Unicorn this season but fans should expect a wider variety of shots at a minimum.

There was a ton to unpack from Dallas Mavericks media day, and The Smoking Cuban will be back with news, opinions, and analysis all season, so please check back with us often.