Rick Carlisle isn't one that likes to give false hope about any of his key Dallas Mavericks players. However, he was excited at the possibility of seeing Kristaps Porzingis play for the Mavs for the first time this season.

He talked with Dwain Price about the condition of the Mavericks big man. He confirmed that he's been playing before training camp even begun and is looking better than ever.

The Unicorn didn't just lay about while he was recovering from his injury the past season. He has put on at least 15 pounds of muscle over the past year to help him battle better down low.

This is good news for Mavs fans who have been itching to see the big man play ever since arriving in February. Some are already fantasizing about the kind of plays he will do with Luka Doncic.

Moreover, it's not only the fans who are looking forward to seeing them play together. Team legend JJ Barea also confirmed that he's excited to see the two Europeans play together.

Dallas president of basketball operations Donnie Nelson is reminded of another iconic Mavs duo. He's hoping that they'll be able to play at the same level as those two did.

“It reminds me of the days when we first got here, with Dirk and Nash,” Nelson said, via ClutchPoints. “This next year is going to be really fun to watch the entire team, but guys that have those abilities, it's rare. And to watch it kind of come together is part of the fun of what we do.”

Mavs fans will be more than ready to see what kind of magic Porzingis, Doncic, and the rest of the team can put on the floor.