via Imago
Feb 4, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots a three point shot against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Feb 4, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) shoots a three point shot against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas Mavericks have been one of the most underperforming teams this season. After a competitive series against the Clippers, the Mavs were expected to challenge the Lakers and the Clippers as a top team in the Western Conference.
With a .500 record of 15 wins and 15 losses, that clearly hasn’t been the case. Despite their superstar Luka Doncic averaging insane numbers like 28.9 points, 9.2 assists and 8.6 rebounds per game, their other players haven’t stepped up.
The biggest letdown has been the disappointing form of center Kristaps Porzingis. The 7’3″ Latvian has had a slow start to the season after returning from a knee injury.
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USA Today via Reuters
Feb 12, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Kristaps Porzingis (6) celebrate during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicansat American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
After his return to the roster, Porzingis has averaged 20.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. Due to the disappointing form of the Latvian, there were rumblings that the Mavs were active in the market for a possible Porzingis trade.
Although owner Mark Cuban denied the reports, other teams are certainly interested in the 7’3″ center. According to the latest report by the NBA Central, the Washington Wizards are monitoring a potential trade.
The Wizards are among the teams monitoring Kristaps Porzingis, per https://t.co/yG9rDCR264 pic.twitter.com/wifdAxq0mS
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 25, 2021
The Mavs had a silent off-season. Given the time left for the trade deadline, the Mavs need to act fast if they want to make some significant changes to the side.
Why do the Wizards want Mavericks’ Porzingis?
The Wizards, who had a terrible start to the season, are finally making a comeback. With 6 wins in their last 10 games, they currently are the 13th seed in the Eastern Conference.
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Despite the resurgence of form for players like Russell Westbrook and Davis Bertans, the Wizards have a gaping hole in their center position. Their starter, Thomas Bryant, tore his ACL earlier this season, leaving them without a quality center.
USA Today via Reuters
Feb 6, 2021; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Kristaps Porzingis (6) in action during the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Golden State Warriors at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Porzingis might be the perfect solution to their problem. The 25-year-old is a potent threat from the perimeter and is a decent rim-protector. He can add 20 points, any given night, thus taking some offensive load off of Bradley Beal and Westbrook.
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Although he has been underwhelming this season, he still has all the tools to be a great defender. The Wizards have a small window to challenge for the championship. If they trade for Porzingis in a win-now move, they will have a potent big three to challenge top teams in the East.
Do you think the Wizards will trade for Porzingis?
