“I just try to be as professional as I can”: Kristaps Porzingis displays clear signs of discontent with offensive fit around Luka Doncic and other Mavs

Kristaps Porzingis has not panned out the way the Mavs thought he would. Porizings has repeatedly been frustrated with his role, feeling like an afterthought.

At the conclusion of the Mavericks’ heartbreaking loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, many felt that Luka Doncic needed more support, and that Porzingis had failed to step up.

His struggles have been more than well documented:

However, Porzingis did shed a new light on his time in Dallas. He spoke up about how he’s had difficulty managing his new role with the Mavericks.

Also Read: “We get paid to win and we didn’t win”: Luka Doncic beats up on himself following the Game 7 Mavericks loss to Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers

Kristaps Porzingis Has Often Felt Like An Afterthought, Luka Doncic Dominating Has Altered The Former All-Star’s Game

Of course, it’s difficult for any player to switch roles at any point in their career, but Porzingis might have had an especially difficult time.

The 7ft Unicorn had an All-Star season in 2018 with the New York Knicks. Injuries forced him to missed the entire 2019 season as he was traded to Dallas. When he rejoined the team, he was no longer the primary option like he was used to being in New York.

Luka Doncic had taken the league by storm, and Kristaps Porzingis was supposed to be the second fiddle. To be fair, his regular season performances have been impressive. He’s averaged over 20 points per game in each of his two seasons with Dallas. He’s also shot the ball well, staying above 35% from three.

It’s only been the postseason where Porzingis has struggled, and he had a lot to say after the Mavericks game 7 loss:

“How do I feel? I mean, I’m good…tried to put in the work, tried to work hard. I do my part, listen to the coaches, what I’m asked to do, and that’s it.”

He also spoke up about how the team has often shifted away from giving him touches, despite him playing well. For example, in a regular season loss to the Rockets, Porzingis had 23 points on 10-of-19 shooting entering the fourth quarter.

However, he received no shots or chances to create in the 4th. As he would later say:

“It’s just the plays we were running. Happened before also.”

The Mavericks need to help Porzingis find his role with this Mavericks team. They’re treading dangerously in terms of not supporting Doncic, and if Porzingis can regain his all-star form, everyone in Dallas will benefit. Porzingis holds no grudges as in his words:

“I just try to be as professional as I can.”