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It's safe to say that Dallas Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis has completely healed from the ACL injury he suffered in 2018. In fact, the Latvian star sees himself as a “dangerous” player for the Mavs.
Per Mavs reporter Dwain Price, Porzingis shared that coach Carlisle hasn't really locked him in the forward or center position. Rather, Carlisle has placed him in positions where he can be at his best.
Kristaps Porzingis on playing either the 4 or 5 spot: "There’s really no specific position like it used to be. I think now coach (Rick) Carlisle. . .he’s already found ways how to put me in good positions. But he knows I can be dangerous wherever I can help the team."@dallasmavs pic.twitter.com/0q3QIk1adr
— Dwain Price (@DwainPrice) July 20, 2020
Moreover, from Carlisle's observation, Kristaps Porzingis may be in the best shape of his career. The signs of rust and excess weight are gone now. Be it on the floor or in the weight room, KP looks strong and healthy.
“The additional weight that he put on over those 18-19 months of rehab gradually tapers away,” Carlisle said, per Isaac Harris of Mavs.com. “Right now, I can tell you that he looks great. I love the way that he is moving. He is moving great and has been really aggressive in his workouts both on the floor and in the weight room.”
Furthermore, Porzingis noted that time and key conversations with Carlisle has enabled him to master the Mavs' playbook.
“Now I know the type of basketball we play,” Porzingis said. “I know the system. I have had a lot of good conversations with Coach Carlisle. I’m just ready to be back on the court and play the game that I love and have put so much work into.”
The Mavs will enter the bubble with a 40-27 record for seventh seed in the West. They are virtually in the playoffs already, so it will be interesting to see how Porzingis will perform in his postseason debut.