Kristaps Porzingis is back in uniform and looking more chiseled than ever, yet the Dallas Mavericks forward confirmed, contrary to previous reports, that he never intended to return from a torn ACL injury before he was fully healthy:

“In my mind, I always wanted to come back when I was 110% and I didn't want to halfway do it,” said Porzingis during the first day of training camp, according to Alan Hahn of ESPN Radio.

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Many pointed to Porzingis' iffy-ness and indecision as why the New York Knicks decided to part ways with him before the trade deadline, something that also intertwined with the potential of a max extension of his rookie contract, which the Mavericks honored earlier this summer.

The 7-foot-3 big man noted he feels great going into camp and ready to make up for lost time after missing the entire season with the injury. Porzingis has yet to step foot on NBA hardwood since Feb. 6, 2018, when he landed awkwardly after flushing down a dunk on Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Latvian international was on course for a breakout season as the leader of the Knicks, but the constant tug-and-pull, along with a broken relationship with the organization, led to their eventual breakup. Porzingis will now have the chance to pair up with another international great, reigning Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic, who led all rookies in scoring and has shown plenty of promise with his rebounding and playmaking.

Now 110% healthy, it will be up to Porzingis to pick up where he left off and continue his ascension as one of the most talented bigs of this era.