Kristaps Porzingis seems to be happy playing for the Dallas Mavericks now, and fans might have new head coach Jason Kidd to thank for that.
Based on what he has shown so far in two preseason games, the Latvian big man is clearly feeling healthy once again. He is also thriving under Kidd, as he looks more comfortable playing alongside Luka Doncic.
After Friday's preseason game against the Los Angeles Clippers–in which he put up 15 points, five rebounds and four assists–Porzingis opened up about Kidd's system and admitted it feels better for him compared to Rick Carlisle's. The 26-year-old specifically noted that things are quite “clearer” now under the new Mavs bench tactician.
“A few things are different. A few things are, I’d say, a bit clearer than last year,” Porzingis said of Kidd's system, per Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News.
Under Rick Carlisle, Kristaps Porzingis was not that much involved on the offense. He's often relegated to waiting outside the 3-point like as Luka Doncic worked his magic in and out the painted area. Of course this frustrated the former New York Knicks All-Star since the Mavs were not playing to his strengths.
With Jason Kidd at the helm, though, Porzingis is now a key cog on the offensive end. It helps that KP is now healthier and more aggressive on both ends of the floor, but it's obvious the Mavs coach is trying to get him into the same rhythm as Doncic.
Luka, for his part, seemed to be making it a point to pass to Porzingis more as they try to get their offense going.
It remains to be seen how Porzingis will perform come the official start of the 2021-22 season, but as Kidd said previously, a return to the All-Star Game is not far-fetched for his sweet-shooting forward.
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