HOLY KRISTAPS: All Things Porzingis | TRADED to WAS

[Tyler]

I hadn't heard anywhere else that KP was unhappy with how he was being used in the Kidd offense

I call BS. That sounded to me like a low-level podcaster for another team mindlessly repeating a narrative he doesn't even totally understand while adding his own flair. If it was true, MacMahon would have already written 3 hit pieces about it by now.

[Tyler]

BTW, I also think Nick's explanation for KP's outburst at the end of the game completely ignores the context of what happened in favor of some invented narrative of KP not being happy about being missed on offense. Here's what immediately preceded the moment in question:

1. Powell was already at the scorers table to sub in for KP who was at 28 minutes of a 30-minute restriction. 
2. SGA dunked on KP after completely blowing by THJ and putting KP in a bad position defensively. He was a little slow to rotate, but it never should have gotten that far.
3. Kidd immediately called a timeout, and someone on the bench made a comment (I'm guessing, based on KPs comments and the circumstances) about the dunk.

So KP (a competitive dude) knew he was getting pulled for a minutes restriction, was left out to dry defensively by a teammate, and got snippy with a comment about the dunk after he had played awesome defense the entire game. 

I get it. And IMO it's really not a big deal. The fact that media guys would ignore those circumstances and instead cherry pick examples that make KP seem unhappy about the offense tells me more about them than about him.

[Hypermav]

Locked on Thunder should be more aptly named Locked on Biscuits.

[fifteenth]

BTW, I also think Nick's explanation for KP's outburst at the end of the game completely ignores the context of what happened in favor of some invented narrative of KP not being happy about being missed on offense. Here's what immediately preceded the moment in question:

1. Powell was already at the scorers table to sub in for KP who was at 28 minutes of a 30-minute restriction. 
2. SGA dunked on KP after completely blowing by THJ and putting KP in a bad position defensively. He was a little slow to rotate, but it never should have gotten that far.
3. Kidd immediately called a timeout, and someone on the bench made a comment (I'm guessing, based on KPs comments and the current circumstances) about the dunk.

So KP (a competitive dude) knew he was getting pulled for a minutes restriction, was left out to dry defensively by a teammate, and got snippy with a comment about the dunk after he had played awesome defense the entire game. 

I get it. And IMO it's really not a big deal. The fact that media guys would ignore those circumstances and instead cherry pick examples that make KP seem unhappy about the offense tells me more about them than about him.

Your take sounds right to me. But I think Nick actually mentioned some of that stuff. He just didn't put it together as well as you just did.

[KillerLeft]

There is definitely an element of laziness and “go with popular opinion“ about how Porziņģis is viewed. I think that’s true. Some of these chemistry issues are probably way overblown. Most, even.

But then again, he has really never given anyone reason to stick up for him. At least not since coming here.

I thought he had a great game the other night and wish that Kidd would have given him about three more minutes of time. If they keep playing him at center and he keeps delivering like that, I will start believing at some point.

[fifteenth]

I REALLY REALLY want to know whether the Mavs think he's a keeper or not.

[KillerLeft]

I REALLY REALLY want to know whether the Mavs think he's a keeper or not.

They have given every indication that they do, and there aren’t really rumors flying. That doesn’t mean everything, but it’s something.

And, while I’m still dubious about his fit here it’s not like last year when he made the team worse just by walking into the arena. He is definitely doing some pretty dang great things out there at times.

[fifteenth]

They have given every indication that they do, and there aren’t really rumors flying. That doesn’t mean everything, but it’s something.

And, while I’m still dubious about his fit here it’s not like last year when he made the team worse just by walking into the arena. He is definitely doing some pretty dang great things out there at times.

This is the answer that most fits the evidence.  But it's possible that rehabbing his image would look like this too.

[cow]

No rumors means he's definitely getting traded.

[ItsGoTime]

No rumors means he's definitely getting traded.

Or, negotiations are not at a stalemate!

[cow]

https://deadspin.com/doh-1848442634

[Branduil]

This is exactly why I'm still on team trade KP. I will never trust him to be healthy.

[cow]

This is exactly why I'm still on team trade KP. I will never trust him to be healthy.

I'm not sure how to extract any value out of him.

[SleepingHero]

I'm not sure how to extract any value out of him.

Send him to POR for McCollum? I think they're about even in terms of pure value. Portland needs a big to replace Nurkic who's going to leave. Mavs can use McCollum to ease the blow of trading/potentially losing Brunson.

This especially makes sense if the Mavs use Brunson to net a guy like Collins. 

Luka/McCollum/DFS/Kleber?/Collins is a super switchable and fast lineup.

[cow]

Send him to POR for McCollum? I think they're about even in terms of pure value. Portland needs a big to replace Nurkic who's going to leave. Mavs can use McCollum to ease the blow of trading/potentially losing Brunson.

This especially makes sense if the Mavs use Brunson to net a guy like Collins. 

Luka/McCollum/DFS/Kleber?/Collins is a super switchable and fast lineup.

Without hesitation which makes me think Portland says no.

[ThisIStheYear]

Send him to POR for McCollum? I think they're about even in terms of pure value. Portland needs a big to replace Nurkic who's going to leave. Mavs can use McCollum to ease the blow of trading/potentially losing Brunson.

This especially makes sense if the Mavs use Brunson to net a guy like Collins. 

Luka/McCollum/DFS/Kleber?/Collins is a super switchable and fast lineup.

No thanks on McCollum, not even for Zinger. He’s one of the few guys who looks like he has a similarly bad contract.

[Mavs2021]

Also what is the message to Brunson, if we acquire McCollum?

I think you first have to lock up Brunson to an extension before you move Porzingis.

[SleepingHero]

No thanks on McCollum, not even for Zinger. He’s one of the few guys who looks like he has a similarly bad contract.

The only difference is McCollum isn't a perpetual injury risk and would actually fill a need here. He can create his own shot much like THJ but is much more efficient. The defense is what scares me though.

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Also what is the message to Brunson, if we acquire McCollum?

I think you first have to lock up Brunson to an extension before you move Porzingis.

The message is, hey Brunson thanks for bringing back John Collins in the 3-team trade with NYK.

[DanSchwartzgan]

The only difference is McCollum isn't a perpetual injury risk and would actually fill a need here. He can create his own shot much like THJ but is much more efficient. The defense is what scares me though.

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The message is, hey Brunson thanks for bringing back John Collins in the 3-team trade with NYK.

[ThisIStheYear]

The only difference is McCollum isn't a perpetual injury risk and would actually fill a need here. He can create his own shot much like THJ but is much more efficient. The defense is what scares me though.

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The message is, hey Brunson thanks for bringing back John Collins in the 3-team trade with NYK.

He seems like kind of an injury risk now that he’s in his 30s.  He’s missed a lot of games the last couple of years.  I’d say he’s a player in decline.  Brunson is the better, more versatile player, now and going forward.