Kristaps Porziņģis | Photo: Glenn James / NBAE
Kevin O’Conors, an expert with the National Basketball Association (NBA), has revealed that Kristaps Porziņģis, a Dallas Mavericks player, has minimal interest from other NBA teams.
It has already been reported that in the seventh game of the Western Conference, “Mavs” gave way to the Los Angeles “Clippers” with 111: 126 and finished the season. In the seven matches of the “Play-off” series, the Latvian, whose seasonal salary is 29.5 million dollars, scored with an average of 13.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists. Porziņģis became the third most productive player of the team. For comparison, team leader Luka Dončičs scored an average of 35.7 points, won 7.9 balls under the baskets and returned 10.3 passes.
During the season, the relationship between the team’s main stars Porziņģis and Dončič was discussed a lot, which were described as not very good. On the other hand, North American spectators admit that in the off-season or during the next season, Liepaja could be changed. But O’Conors admits it won’t be easy. “League sources say that interest in Porziņģis from other teams is minimal. The contestants are deterred by his contract, his health and possibly Kristap’s productivity, which is declining, “said the viewer on The Void.
In the “Play-off” tournament, the Dallas coaching corps, led by Rika Karlail, decided to give Latvians less freedom in attacks, and thus his statistics decreased. Publicly, the Latvian repeatedly emphasized that he had come to terms with his role, but the information available to ESPN journalist Tim McMahon shows that Porziņģis was dissatisfied with his role during the season and did not feel like the second star of the team. Such thoughts have arisen for the Latvian because the biggest shine of “Mavs” Dončičs is the main creator of the team, who stops the ball a lot, thus reducing the Latvian involvement in the attacks.
Porziņģis has an active maximum contract until 2024. Over the next three seasons, it will reach 31.7, 33.8 and 36 million. Mavericks owner Mark Kjuban recently stated that he does not plan to dismiss long-term head coach Rika Kārlails, however, this may not be positive news for Porziņģis, as Kārlails has less and less trust in Liepāja. In the inter-season, it will be determined whether Porziņģis will continue his career with the Mavericks or whether exchange opportunities will be sought.
