Anyone else concerned about Porzingis?

[Mavs2019]

Who is chasing all the small-ball and 3pt shooting fours around the perimeter?

Porzingis is a center and if the Mavs have really sold him on the idea that he can be a PF here, then to quote Roddy Piper: "Just when they think they have the answers, I change the questions."

In other words they´ll have to make teams adjust to them and change the whole style of the NBA back to BIG BOYS ball.

KP has already been in lineups where he is the center. I expect that will continue. I always wanted the DFS to play with KP and for Powell and Maxi to play together.

I don´t think it really matters whether it´s DFS or Kleber, as long as it is not Powell. There are various reasons for that.

1. Porzingis cannot defend PFs. He also needs to be under the basket to use his own shotblocking ability.

2. Porzingis cannot rim run, when Powell is there already and Luka is driving inside. Kleber and DFS will spread the floor in the corners.

3. Kleber and DFS are much better help and perimeter defenders than Powell.

4. Starting units are a lot more cohesive and skilled than benches, therefore reading the Powell lob plays much better.

5. Powell  is literally the perfect bench player. He´s smart enough to exploit lesser skilled and cohesive 2nd units.


First 3 games as a Maverick without Powell Porzingis averaged

26 PPG, 6 RPG, 3 APG, 3 BPG / 46% FG / 41% 3pt FG.

I don´t know about you guys, but he does that the next five years I´m good.


 
Carlisle already took Powell out of the S5 against Boston, and while it did not have the desired effect on Porzingis yet, Powell had his best game of the season (Point 5) 12 pts, 5 rebs and 3 asts with a +20 in a loss.