There’s a lot of hype around Kristaps Porzingis these days. The New York Knicks phenom has been on the cover of Sports Illustrated and is making headlines for his impressive play in the NBA playoffs. But it seems like there’s one person who might be even more excited about KP than the rest of us – Jason Kidd.
Kristaps Porzingis is a promising young player for the New York Knicks. He was recently drafted to the NBA, and has been getting a lot of hype. However, according to Jason Kidd, KP’s it’s the joy mentality is what makes him so special.
Jason Kidd, the new head coach of the Dallas Mavericks, is among many who are ecstatic about Kristaps Porzingis going into the 2021-22 NBA season.
During Wednesday’s preseason victory against the Charlotte Hornets, Kidd mentioned Porzingis, noting he had been in great condition throughout camp. The Hall of Fame point guard provided an explanation for Porzingis’ mindset shift, one that Mavs fans would certainly appreciate.
However, until the season starts and Porzingis demonstrates his ability to make key changes on the court, Kidd’s assessment is useless.
Jason Kidd and others are praising Kristaps Porzingis ahead of the regular season.
Teammates and coaches alike are optimistic about Kristaps Porzingis’ prospects for the next season.
Tim Hardaway Jr., Porzingis’ teammate from his days with the New York Knicks, insists that this is a new and more dangerous version of KP. He also voiced confidence in the Unicorn’s ability to be the genuine second star Dallas needs to overcome its Western Conference rivals.
Jason Kidd has also been a frequent stumbling block for Porzingis. Soon after being appointed Mavs head coach, he spoke with the 26-year-old personally and even said earlier this week that he thinks Porzingis will be an All-Star this season. This is the first time in many years that Porzingis has been given a regular preseason ramp-up, according to Kidd.
“If that’s the history, then we’ll sign up and accept it,” Kidd told the Dallas Morning News’ Callie Caplan. “I believe he has the necessary skill set to be an All-Star.” In this league, he is an All-Star.
During Wednesday’s preseason game against the Charlotte Hornets, Mavs head coach Rick Carlisle used the “love of the game” clause to justify the Porzingis hype.
After a disappointing 2020-21 season, Kidd claimed Porzingis had regained his “passion” for basketball.
Between quarters on ESPN, Jason Kidd on the difference for KP:
“It’s the pleasure. I believe he’s having a good time, and as a result, you’ll be at your best. He is in good health. We’ve seen him feel fantastic throughout preseason and training camp.”
October 13, 2021 — Callie Caplan (@CallieCaplan)
Jason Kidd was questioned by commentators why everyone is so excited about Kristaps Porzingis this summer. The big guy, according to Kidd, needed to rediscover his passion for the game.
“It’s the pleasure,” she says. Kidd told Callie Caplan of the Dallas Morning News, “I believe he’s having a lot of fun, and with that, you’re going to be at your best.” “He’s in good health.” He’s in terrific shape, and we’ve seen that throughout preseason and training camp.”
After such a difficult 2020-21 season, it’s possible Porzingis is genuinely driven.
The former All-Star struggled to remain healthy, and his relationship with Mavericks star Luka Doncic never seemed to be the best. In a first-round defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers, Porzingis appeared completely lost in the playoffs, averaging just 13.1 points and 5.4 rebounds.
Kidd himself may be able to provide Porzingis with a change of pace. He may have more flexibility or believe he fits better within J-system, Kidd’s motivating him to contribute more to the squad.
Porzingis is better for Dallas when he is energized. However, Kidd’s depiction of Porzinigis’ newfound passion is meaningless if he is unable to transfer his summer performance to the regular season.
Porzingis must remain healthy in order to show his value on the court.
Left to Right: Tom Pennington/Getty Image and Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images | Jason Kidd (L) and Kristaps Porzingis (R) |
If Porzingis’ durability problems return or he fails to play, none of the hoopla surrounding him will matter.
Porzingis’ injury history is concerning, to say the least. Even if Mavericks owner Mark Cuban thinks it’s a non-issue, the unstable relationship with Doncic looms big. How do you think the two stars will behave if they are confronted with adversity?
During the preseason, Porzingis seemed to be more engaged in Kidd’s offensive scheme, both on and off the court. He’s also been very active on defense, especially as a weak-side defender.
It’s one thing for the anticipation of a new season to act as a motivator and source of pleasure. It’s another thing altogether to maintain that kind of enthusiasm throughout the course of an 82-game regular season.
While Kidd’s praise for Porzingis and the big man’s apparent clarity is encouraging for Mavs supporters, it will be meaningless unless KP proves he can be a capable backup.
Basketball Reference provided the statistics.
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