Mavs 109, Bucks 112

[mavsluvr]

So, given that KP's role on a good team and his financial future are both more than secure, what, indeed, are we to make of this start? I can think of two possibilities (though there might be more I haven't thought of):

1) The exact reasoning that Carlisle gave, word for word. It does make sense IF KP is the type of guy who puts team first. He wants to win, and feels guilty for not having been healthy enough during his time here to contribute enough, so far.

2) Maybe a liiiiiittttttle bit of jealousy regarding his status vs. Luka's? I mean, going from NY to Dallas has got to be a shock in some ways, especially ways that affect celebrity. The transition from being the face of any franchise to the second banana on any other franchise could be a factor, too. Mix in the fact that Luka is 21 and possibly not all that humble behind the scenes, and I can imagine that for many people, KP's last two years might be challenging on a personal level. 

Goodness, I sure hope number 1 is closer to what's going on. 

Either way, my guess is that two weeks from now Mavs will be on another win streak, hopefully with all their complement of players available. Porzingis will be playing well by then, and we'll all have forgotten about this.

It's a puzzle, all right. 


In regard to the possibilities, maybe he's trying to establish his position in the offensive hierarchy as 1B, rather than 2? Trying very very hard resulting in his playing a little desperately? 

Interesting thoughts. I have a feeling, like you, that this will sort itself out before long, but I didn't really see it coming.