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Kristaps Porzingis is a star worthy of the Warriors’ No. 2 overall pick

By Nathan Beighle

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 03: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 3, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Mavericks defeated the Pacers 112-103. 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 Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 03: Kristaps Porzingis #6 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on during a game against the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on February 3, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Mavericks defeated the Pacers 112-103. 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 Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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There aren’t many players that may be the quintessential fit for the Golden State Warriors, and Dallas star Kristaps Porzingis is one of the few.

On paper, the Warriors, if they could find a way to acquire former Knicks star Porzingis, may be getting a less-lethal version of four-time scoring champion Kevin Durant.

After all, Durant’s style while in Golden State was heavy on isolation. His high-releasing shot and elite back-to-the-back fadeaway were a combination that was nearly impossible to guard for opponents.

Many thought the original addition of Durant would kill Curry and Thompson’s production given how much he needed the ball in his hands.

Although they continued to thrive as the Warriors became one of the most feared teams in the NBA, Durant left the franchise following the 2019 Finals. Thompson missed the entire next season and then Curry ended up playing in just five games.

The Warriors won 15 games, the least in the league. KP would change everything though, putting them back as favorites in the West.

Before missing the last several games of one of the most competitive series in the playoffs between Dallas and Los Angeles, Porzingis was averaging 23.7 points per game. He topped 20 per game during the season for the second straight time.

After missing all the 2018-2019 season, not many were thinking he would return as productive as he did. At 7-foot-3, Porzingis nears 36 percent from deep for his career and averaged 2.5 threes per game last season.

His range with his efficiency and his length makes him one of the better big men in the league. For Golden State, he’d be the perfect small-ball center along with Draymond Green. To get Porzingis, the Warriors would have to give up Wiggins and the No. 2 pick, at the very least.

If that’s the price, it’d be worth it. On a massive contract extending through the 2023-2024 season, Porzingis is worthy of that deal if he manages to stay healthy, a huge question mark following his several lower-body injuries.

His value hangs quite a bit on his health, but throughout the regular season, he was consistently there for the Mavs who managed to shockingly become one of the West’s best teams. With their up-and-coming core, there’s no way they actually deal Porzingis.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

That said, he’s a star worthy of the Warriors top pick; sadly, it likely won’t happen though.

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