Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle reiterated to reporters on Monday there was never a scenario where the organization was going to play power forward Kristaps Porzingis this season.
Porzingis is recovering from a torn left ACL he suffered last season with the New York Knicks. The Mavs acquired Porzingis, along with guards Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee and Trey Burke from New York in a blockbuster trade.
#Mavs Rick Carlisle reiterates that the plan was never for Porzingis to play this season, adds that it’s “doubtful” that the former #Knicks star will practice fully this year. #Mavericks
— Brian Lewis (@NYPost_Lewis) March 4, 2019
The Mavs are a smart organization and sitting Kristaps Porzingis out for the season is the right move to make.
Dallas made the trade for Porzingis so they can have KP and Luka Doncic as the franchise cornerstones for the next decade. Risking that great future for half a season wouldn't make any sense.
Before tearing his ACL last season, Porzingis was averaging 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 48 games while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 39.5 percent from beyond the arc. He's been taking shots in practices, but like Carlisle says, it's doubtful the 7-footer will fully practice with the team this season.
Porzingis becomes a restricted free agent in the summer. All signs point toward KP and the Mavs agreeing to a long-term contract extension which keep the Latvian in Dallas with Doncic for a long time
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