Mavs' Porzingis 'often' feels like an 'afterthought' to Doncic

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) and center Kristaps Porzingis (6) react during the first quarter against the LA Clippers during Game 6 in the first round. Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Mavericks' Kristaps Porzingis 'often' feels like an 'afterthought' to Luka Doncic

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 6/7/21

Mavericks big man Kristaps Porzingis reportedly feels like "an afterthought" in Dallas amid the rise of young star Luka Doncic.

According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the Latvian has been "frustrated" at not being looked at as a true co-star to Doncic.

Mavericks owner Mark Cuban recently admitted that the two are not friends off the court, comparing the situation to Dirk Nowitzki's relationship with Jason Terry when they first played together.

Mark Cuban, continued: “It took forever before Dirk and Jet did anything off the court together. A long time. Yeah, I mean, KP and Luka get along fine. It’s just that they’re different people. They like to do different things.”
— Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan) April 22, 2021

Porzingis has spent the last two seasons in Dallas and was nearly invisible during the team's first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Doncic, meanwhile, has elevated his game in each of his three seasons with the Mavericks. The Slovenian averaged 35.7 points per game on 49% shooting from the floor during the postseason.

After the Mavericks' Game 7 loss, Porzingis expressed frustration about how he was utilized throughout the series. As the offseason begins for Dallas, the franchise might have to consider making him available in trade discussions.

They might have already done so.

Bleacher Report's Jake Fischer reported in February that the Mavericks had "quietly gauged the trade market for Porzingis." His report also said that some around the league had soured on Porzingis as a foundational piece of an NBA roster.

The New York Knicks traded Porzingis to the Mavericks in 2019. If he's moved again, he'll be off to his third team in four seasons.

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