CLEVELAND – Dirk Nowitzki got to pal around a bit with Kristaps Porzingis two summers ago during the Africa Games in Johannesburg, South Africa. So the greatest player in the history of the Dallas Mavericks knows first-hand what intangibles Porzingis can bring to the table.
“He’s got a franchise-type player game,” Nowitzki said. “We spent a good week together (in South Africa). He’s a good dude that wants to win.
“He’s mobile enough to play (power forward), he can be a spread (center), he can move, block shots and post. Before he got hurt he played an all-around game. He’s got the work ethic, he wants to be great, he’s a good dude and a team player.”
The Mavs acquired Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee and Trey Burke in a trade with the New York Knicks on Thursday. In return, the Mavs sent Dennis Smith Jr, DeAndre Jordan, Wesley Matthews and two first-round draft picks to the Knicks.
For the Mavs, the linchpin in the blockbuster deal is Porzingis, a 23-year old, 7-3, 240-pound wonderboy who reminds many of Nowitzki when he broke into the NBA in 1998.
“He’s obviously athletic enough to where he can roll (to the basket on a pick-and-roll play), and he’s long enough to where he can finish above the rim,” Nowitzki said. “If you look at (New Orleans’) Anthony Davis when he’s at the (center position), he’s hard to guard.
“(Porzingis) has got enough shooters around him, he can roll and finish above the rim and he can also pop, so he’s a nightmare. He can also play some (power forward).”
During their quiet talks in South Africa, Nowitzki got a chance to delve deep into the life of Porzingis.
“We spent some time together in Johannesburg and got to talk business and basketball,” Nowitzki said. “He’s a good dude, he’s a hard worker and he’s going to fit right in (with the Mavs).
“Like I say, he’s mobile enough to go out and guard some (power forwards) in this league. The league’s going small, he’s long enough, he’s active enough. We’ll figure all that stuff out when he’s healthy and ready to go.”
In 48 games with the Knicks last year, Porzingis averaged 22.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 32.4 minutes per contest. He also was a member of the Eastern Conference All-Star team, but couldn’t play in the game due to his knee injury.
Nowitzki said he didn’t think he had to be available to mentor Porzingis in any way, but would if need be.
“He was on his way to being a great, great player,” Nowitzki said. “I’m not sure he needs much mentoring, but we’ll see when he gets there.”
Nowitzki added that he’s looking forward to seeing the expected spectacular plays rookie Luka Doncic and Porzingis will obviusly develop once they’re on the court together.
“That’ll be fun to watch and we’ll see how it goes,” Nowitzki said. “Obviously Luka — I’ve said all year — he’s exceeded everybody’s expectations,
“He’s been tremendous for us running the pick-and-rolls, making big plays, wanting the ball in his hands down the stretch. Now that we’ve added some weapons once Porzingis is healthy, it should be fun to watch for hopefully a long, long time for us.”
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