Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press
The Dallas Mavericks tried to strengthen their defense around Luka Doncic and their historic attack during the off-season.
But here the Mavericks, ninth in the Western Conference, are in 27th place in the overall defense, and Kristaps Porzingis’ steady decline at the end of the floor seems to be the biggest dilemma this office is currently facing.
In fact, according to league sources, Dallas has been quietly assessing the trading market for Porzingis as the Mavericks begin to evaluate whether the 25-year-old center can really support Doncic as the second option for a candidate. “They kicked the tires for everyone on their roster not named Luka,” said one person with knowledge of Dallas’ thinking. “You know [president of basketball operations] Donnie [Nelson]; they always tamper. ‘
“They definitely sniffed at him,” an assistant general manager told B / R. “They take the temperature because at some point they know it’s coming.”
Porzingis was named Doncic’s ideal running partner just six months ago when he scored the second team All-Bubble honor after scoring 30.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks, while 38.1. percent of the distance shot. He was then nothing short of a force in the opening round against the Clippers – that was until a torn meniscus ended his season, and an operation in October then sidelined him until January 13th.
His shooting remained effective as he was tied at 35.2 percent of his triplets, right around his career average. He is 14th among centers in PER, but the numbers paint a scary picture – especially after Dallas’ knockout over the Memphis Grizzlies Monday night when Porzingis sat with a low back density. The Mavs have a minus-4.7 net rating when he is on the floor.
In the 509 minutes, Dallas allowed 119.5 points per 100 possessions, a point that would leave the Mavericks nearly two full points worse than the Sacramento Kings in 30th place. When he was off the field, Dallas’ defense rose to a stingy 108.7 score within 840 minutes, which was good for a top-five figure in the league. And for all the legitimate criticism Doncic has made earlier, the Mavericks defense hold enemies to 111.0 points per 100 possessions when Doncic is on the field and Porzingis is out.
Nick Wass / Associated Press
The ship can correct itself if Porzingis regains strength in his right knee. It was only December 29 when he first took part in an exercise. But the early return was worrisome, especially since Dallas was designed to rely on his 7’3 “giant chasing the backline. He was much more of a bystander than an edge maintainer, and he also has an increasing history of injuries.
“It seems impossible for him to get into a position. He looks like a scarecrow out there,” said one Western Conference chief executive. “You don’t expect him to be necessarily good from the jump, but I’ve watched Porzingis a few times this year, and I’m not sure if the man can protect anyone.”
For now, it appears that Dallas is first interested in adding a center to complement Porzingis, sources said. The Mavericks surrounded Andre Drummond while the Cleveland Cavaliers wanted to move in a different direction from their own direction, but Dallas expressed no interest in renouncing Porzingis in the specific talks. “They want a great pair with him,” said one league source. “Of course with physicality, setbacks, toughness.”
The Mavericks are described as one of the more active teams in these exploratory, early trade discussions around the league. After Josh Richardson was acquired in the off-season and drafted Josh Green and Tyler Bey (via the Philadelphia 76ers), Dallas continued to look for more shooting and perimeter defense around Doncic, sources said.
It is important to remember that injuries and COVID-19 protocols hampered the Mavericks. Maxi Kleber and Richardson each missed a handful of games. But the latter converted just 29.6 percent of his appearance from depth ahead of Monday’s 3-7 performance, and Dallas’ attack on the juggernaut that yielded the most effective offense in NBA history last season is now only 26th in three-point percentage .
His close relationship with Doncic further clouded this Porzingis development. The Mavericks swung at Porzingis in hopes of creating a decade-long link with their All-NBA floor general, and the two in turn developed a strong off-track relationship. They were frequently spotted at the pool together during the Orlando bubble, and every time there was friction about Doncic’s own liability during movie sessions, Porzingis remained loyal to his co-star. “He almost defends Luka,” said one person with knowledge of the situation.
Tony Gutierrez / Associated Press
There is also the case that Porzingis would bring back in return. “Who are teams you can see running behind him in theory?” wonders the CEO of the Western Conference. “I can not say it is a contract I will pay to enter into.”
After this season, there are three more available on Porzingis’ $ 158 million five-year deal.
“I think maybe you can get a lottery-protected one out of someone first,” one capologist said, “but that would probably only happen if Dallas were to take back other unwanted salaries.” If the Mavericks are looking for contributing players, Dallas might be able to hire a team like Chicago or Charlotte – with a mix of young players and veterans on substantial contracts – who might want to do the same swing as Dallas.
For now, the discussions about the Mavericks’ Porzingis remain tentative. But for Dallas to bridge that gap – between current status and the team’s preseason expectations of competing in the playoffs for the home field advantage – the league officials expect these early talks to continue. Finding a second option for Doncic is the key to optimizing the young superstar, and Dallas could still clear the maximum space for the upcoming off-season. If John Collins were to reach a limited free agency, according to league sources, expect the Mavericks to make a significant offer.
Dallas once hoped to use the room for Giannis Antetokounmpo, which would form a triumph that would shake the Western Conference. Porzingis now needs a sharp turnaround to regain some of its former reputation. “I know why the Mavericks have repented buyers,” an Eastern Conference official said.
* All stats via NBA.com, unless otherwise stated.
Jake Fischer covers the NBA for Bleacher Report and is the author of Built to Lose: How the NBA’s Tanking Era Changed the League Forever.