Dallas Mavericks star Kristaps Porzingis has already missed 28 games this 2020-21 due to various issues and injuries, but he doesn't think he's as injury-prone as what most people believe.
Porzingis, who has been out from the Mavs' last six games due to a right knee injury, is expected to suit up for Dallas when they play the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday. Speaking to the media ahead of his return, the Latvian big man addressed the talks about the injury-prone label that several people has given him and expressed his confidence that he'll be able to stay healthy for a long time after a solid offseason work.
Article Continues Below“No, I’m not and I shouldn’t be,” the Mavs star said when asked if his injuries worry him, per Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News. “I truly believe with a good offseason, working on my movements and things like that, I’ll be healthy and I’ll be able to stay healthy for a long time.”
After sustaining a torn ACL when he was with the New York Knicks in 2018, Porzingis has been in and out of the injury list since playing for the Mavs. Dallas has been cautious of the history of KP, and this season alone, the team has avoided playing in back-to-back games and even sidelined him to rest (in what they call as injury management).
Given the fact that he has missed a lot of games and continues to struggle developing chemistry with Luka Doncic, there have been concerns whether KP is a long-term fit in the Mavs' plans. While he has has definitely shown his talent and impact on winning, his ability to stay on the floor remains a big question mark.
Hopefully though, Kristaps Porzingis lives up to his promise and be able to return to his 100 percent once again. The Mavs have been patient on his recovery, and they are certainly expecting for him to be healthy moving forward.