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Is it too Late for Kristaps Porzingis to Return to All-Star Form?

ByNoel Guerra|
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks with Deni Avdija #9 during the first half at State Farm Arena on April 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - APRIL 06: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Washington Wizards reacts after hitting a three-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks with Deni Avdija #9 during the first half at State Farm Arena on April 06, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

One of the more surprising deals that took place during last season’s trade deadline was a move made by the Washington Wizards and Dallas Mavericks. The Mavericks moved Kristaps Porzingis to the Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. The players involved were not all that surprising, but the organizations involved were.

No one expected the Wizards to acquire a player, such as Porzingis. It is definitely a gamble to take on him and his contract. However, there is a chance that the Wizards might have a second All-Star to pair with Bradley Beal.

Some people might deem that it is too late for Kristaps Porzingis to return to his All-Star form. However, there is a pathway for him to regain his former self this upcoming season in D.C..

How can the All-Star Kristaps Porzingis Return?

There is a simple answer throughout any questions one may have on Porzingis and his long-term place with the Wizards as the “Robin” to Beal’s “Batman”; that is the health of Porzingis.

Since his lone All-Star season in 2017-18, he has not played in more than 57 games in a season. He even missed the entire 2018-19 due to a torn ACL. Injuries continue to plague his once promising career.

Throughout all of the maladies he has suffered, he has been able to produce at a good level on the court. It is not quite the same Porzingis we saw back in 2018, but he has had his moments.

Furthermore, he just recently turned 27 years old. That is the prime of most NBA players. The talent is still in him.

For the 17 games Porzingis played for with the Wizards, he averaged 22 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, and shot 47% from the field. All of that was done in less than 30 minutes per game.

The points per game match his All-Star season, while the rebounds and field goal percentage were increases. His defensive win shares and defensive box plus/minus were an upgrade last season from his All-Star campaign.

Kristaps Porzingis still possesses all the talent from his great year back in 2018. The only issue continues to be missing a big chunk of each year.

We have seen glimpses of him this summer, and perhaps we should be excited for the upcoming season.

Is it too late to see the return of his former self? No, we might be on the cusp of getting back the All-Star Porzingis.

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