Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic said Monday he wasn't sure what to make of Kristaps Porzingis' future with the team after reports suggested Porzingis was growing frustrated with his role.
Doncic refused to speculate as to how the Mavericks would handle Porzingis this offseason, instead suggesting the team might do a better job of incorporating the 7-footer:
“I don't know what's going to happen,” Doncic said when asked about Porzingis, via Doyle Rader of Forbes. “He's a great player and I think we have to use him more. That's it.”
The Mavericks acquired Porzingis from the New York Knicks in February of 2019 with the hopes he could be the team's second superstar alongside Doncic.
However, Porzingis has reportedly been dismayed with his place in Dallas' offense, per ESPN's Tim MacMahon:
But Porzingis has been frustrated, often feeling more like an afterthought than a co-star as Doncic dominates the ball and the spotlight, sources told ESPN. Porzingis frequently made thinly veiled references during his postgame media availabilities, such as saying the “ball actually moved tonight” after high-scoring performances or stating that the offense didn't involve him on low-scoring nights.
Is the frustration and confusing impacting Porzingis' performance and motor? He shot below 30 percent from beyond the arc in the Mavericks' first-round loss to the Clippers. Porzingis also averaged just 5.4 rebounds per contest after averaging 8.9 boards during the regular season.
Doncic and the Mavericks might not have a choice but to find a way to make it work. Dallas would probably have a heck of a time trading Porzingis given his contract and injury history.
The two might not be the best of friends. Still, Doncic and Porzingis likely must find a way to reach an understanding for this team to reach its full potential.
Follow Us
Subscribe