Tim Legler explains why the Mavericks need Kristaps Porzingis to elevate his level of play in order to make a serious playoff run. (1:21)

Why the Mavs need Porzingis to step up his game (1:21)

Where can Kristaps Porzingis best help the Dallas Mavericks' offense?

At 7-foot-3, Porzingis might look like he belongs in the paint. But his skill set generally keeps him far from the low post, the traditional station for players his size. In fact, his primary role as an outside shooter, while counterintuitive to some, has contributed to the Mavericks' record-setting offense.

Understanding why Porzingis' spacing is valuable to the Mavericks -- in ways that playing down low would not be -- can help us unlock larger truths about the modern NBA game.

No reason to question Dallas offense

With Porzingis struggling in the Mavericks' Dec. 26 game against San Antonio (he scored 13 points on 4-of-15 shooting), TNT color commentator Chris Webber made it clear he thought Porzingis would be better off spending more time in the post. TNT's "Inside the NBA" analysts echoed that criticism at halftime.