Kristaps Porzingis has yet to play a game for the Dallas Mavericks, but the team is already raving about the idea of having him on the floor next season. Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle said that Porzingis has been a welcome addition to the team, as he's been able to show leadership qualities in many ways, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News.
“He is traveling with us, he’s involved in practice. He’s vocal in huddles and stuff during the game, which is great. Categorically, he appears to me to be a leader which is something you can’t have enough of. All the signs point in a really great direction.”
Porzingis has been sidelined since February last year due to a torn ACL. And although there were reported setbacks in his recovery process, the Mavs seem to be really high on him. After all, they have traded Dennis Smith Jr., a young prospect with tons of potential, to the New York Knicks just to acquire KP.
That move alone should speak volumes on the Mavs' belief in the four-year veteran's ability to return to full strength next season.
Dallas is building an underrated team around Porzingis and rookie sensation Luka Doncic. Once these two hit their primes, the Mavs believe they can become the best one-two punch in the league.
They're not rushing the recovery of KP, as well as the development of Doncic. The Mavs know what they have, and all they have to do is let things run its course.
If everything goes the way Dallas planned it, Mavs fans could be seeing a championship team within the next few years.
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