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Mavs’ Success Depends On Kristaps Porzingis Emerging As A Second Star Next To Luka Doncic, Per Tim MacMahon

The Dallas Mavericks failed to go over the hump in last year’s playoffs, losing to the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games. Luka Doncic was marvelous throughout the series and didn’t go down without a fight, averaging 35.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 10.3 assists per game on 49.0% shooting from the field. 

However, Kristaps Porzingis, who was supposed to be the team’s second star, didn’t live up to expectations and eventually drew a lot of heat after putting up a disastrous performance with averages of 13.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game on 47.2% shooting.

The Mavericks have proven to be a tough team to beat with Doncic shouldering most of the load. But if they want to get in a better position, the Mavericks should look to Porzingis stepping up and fulfilling that ‘second star’ role, per ESPN’s reporter Tim MacMahon.

“But really so much of this is depending on Kristaps Porzingis emerging as that legitimate second star. There’s been some awkwardness with him and Luka. You know, Porzingis certainly wasn’t utilized the way that he wanted to be, the way he hoped to be. But, he has a healthy offseason, he has as much to prove as arguably any max player in the NBA. And I really think so much of the Mavericks’ success, it depends on Porzingis proving that he is worth that contract and that he can be that complimentary star next to Luka.”