QUESTION: What position will Porzingis play?

[Kammrath]

Brad Townsend says this is one of the biggest questions heading into the season:

https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/maveri...questions/

What position will Porzingiz play?

Yet when Powell got hurt and Porzingis moved to starting center, it was as if a switch flipped on. Beginning on Jan. 31, over his final 21 regular-season games, Porzingis averaged 26.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 46.8% shooting — including 36.8% on 3-point attempts.

In six seeding games in the Orlando bubble, Porzingis averaged 30.5 points and 9.5 rebounds and was named first team All-Seeding, along with Luka Doncic.

Given such production, it seems clear that in Dallas’ offense, Porzingis is most effective at center. So, however, is Powell, whose well-timed and precisely angled screens create open shots and driving lanes for Doncic — and lob opportunities for Powell.

At the time of his injury Powell was averaging 9.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 63.8%. Don’t compare his stats to those of Porzingis. It’s apples-to-oranges. Powell’s presence makes life easier for Doncic, especially, and everyone else on the court. And Powell doesn’t demand shots. He attempted 5.7 per game last season.

Here’s where we’ll drop in a surprising statistic to ponder: Did you know that Dallas’ most effective starting lineup of more than three games was Doncic, Tim Hardaway, Dorian Finney-Smith, Porzingis at power forward and Powell at center, with a record of 11-5 (.688)?

Could Porzingis or Powell move to power forward this season? Theoretically, yes, but is that optimal for either player, or the Mavericks? Might it be better, for example, for Powell to come off the bench?

Something, or someone, might need to give.

I would add these stats for pondering:

Porzingis @ C + DFS @ PF: 
Offense: 115.4
Defense: 109.3
Net: +6.1

Porzingis @ PF + Powell @ C:
Offense: 117.1
Defense: 105.3 
Net: +11.9

Porzingis @ PF + Boban @ C:
Offense: 107.3
Defense: 96.5
Net: +10.8

Porzingis was individually better on offense without Powell (no question)....but the TEAM was better both offensively and defensively with Porzingis @ PF. I am hopeful that Porzingis is in his offensive groove now and that he can play BOTH PF and C.