What would a European duo of Dallas look like?
The biggest issue in the summer transfer market is by far the duo. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard joined the team. Also worth noting is Dallas' European duo Luka Dončić and Kristaps Porzingis.
Dončić, who was traded to Dallas after being named third in the 2018 NBA rookie draft, had an average of 21.2 points 7.8 rebounds and 6.0 assists in 72 games last season. Unexperienced and unexperienced play surprised many. Dallas scored a donut as the center of the team that will succeed Dirk Nowitzki, who announced his retirement at the end of last season.
In addition, Dallas built a European one-to-punch by re-signing a five-year, $ 185 million contract with Porzingis, brought through last season's trade. Of course, there is anxiety. Porzingis, who suffered anterior cruciate ligament rupture last February, rested last season. It's still unknown how long he can return to show pre-injury. He is so tall that he is often exposed to injuries. In fact, Porzingis suffered injuries every year for four seasons after his debut.
But Dallas signed a big deal with Porzingis, even at the risk. That's why Dallas expect a lot from Porzingis. Injury is a pity, but there is no doubt about the skill. Debuting in 2015, Porzingis has a 221cm height and is hard to see, and has a long shooting distance. During his three seasons in New York, he averaged 17.8 points and 7.1 rebound 2.0 blocks.
Dallas missed the playoffs last season with 33 wins and 49 losses. Dallas stayed in the western 14th place. The lack of attack was a big problem.
Last season, Dallas didn't have an average of more than 20 points except for Dončić.
In the game, the reliance on Dončić has grown even worse. Dončić's attack share reached 37.5% in the clutch situation last season (within 5 minutes before the end of the match). This is the seventh highest player in a game over 30 games. This figure rose to 44.4% within one minute before the end. Porzingis, who showed an average 4.1 points in the clutch situation in New York and solved him as a solver, is the right person to solve this problem at once.
Porzingis is also a player who has a strong ability to induce fouls, and in the 2017-2018 season, Porzingis reduced three points and aggressively attacked the paint zone, resulting in a significant increase in free throw attempts. Porzingis free throw attempt per game soared to 5.7 in the 2017-2018 season, which averaged only 3.6 during the two seasons since debut.
Dončić and Porzingis are also resources that can play two-to-two games. After receiving the screen, Dončić has excellent ability to target the goal and play to save his teammates. This is why we expect Porzingis and breathing with both Pick and Pop and Pick and Roll.
When two players play a two-to-two game, Dallas will have more options for attack.
Defensive is also worth a look. Last season, Dallas had only 4.3 blocks per game (27th in the league). Porzingis can play both 4 and 5, and his size is good enough to defend the rim. Career average number of blocks is 2.0. The signing of Porzingis will help Dallas make up for its weakness in the underarm defense.
Will Dallas, who have reached the post-Nowitzki era, can enter the playoffs with European duo?
Note the coming season of Dallas.
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