Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving. Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

Can Kyrie Irving carry Mavericks with Luka Doncic out?

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Dec 30, 2024 3:52 PM ET

The Dallas Mavericks are adjusting to life without Luka Doncic. The superstar has been ruled out for at least a month due to a calf strain.

Without Doncic on the floor, Jason Kidd must adjust his offensive and defensive strategy. That will likely mean that more of the offense flows through veteran point guard Kyrie Irving. Since joining Dallas, Irving has thrived in a secondary role, but he's proven throughout his career to be more than capable of leading a team when called upon.

According to Lou Williams, Irving could make the All-NBA First Team if he raises his level and keeps the Mavericks on track.

"Depending on how this team rolls in Luka Doncic's absence, that gives him a great opportunity," Williams said on FanDuel TV's "Run It Back." "Right now, I can make an argument for second team or third team. If he wants to scratch the surface for the first team, those first five spots, he's gonna have to step it up on the offensive end...For the next four weeks, he's gonna have to be tremendous."

Will Kyrie Irving make the All-NBA First Team?

"If he wants to scratch the surface for the first team, he's gonna have to step it up on the offensive end." - @TeamLou23

"This next month (without Luka Doncic), he can get that 25 (PPG) up to 27, 28." - @ChandlerParsons pic.twitter.com/lTUISqFL8D
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) December 30, 2024

Through 29 games this season, Irving is averaging 24.6 points, 4.5 rebounds and five assists while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 44.5 percent from three-point range. Those numbers will likely receive a boost as Irving slots into the primary option on offense. However, some of his efficiency could take a dip as he adjusts to a larger shot profile.

Nevertheless, Irving is good enough to keep the Mavericks on track. He's a former NBA champion and the best ball-handler in the NBA. The Mavericks have also done a good job of putting floor spacers around him and Doncic. Importantly, unlike in years past, Dallas can also lean on Klay Thompson, who will undoubtedly receive a bump in his role.

With Irving and Thompson on the roster, there's no reason why the Mavericks can't remain competitive. Furthermore, it will give Kidd an opportunity to experiment with some 'non-Doncic' lineups.

As for Irving, if he can stay healthy and accept the additional workload, he will likely remind fans why he's been one of the biggest names in the league for the best part of a decade. Sometimes, it's easy to forget how talented he is now that he's playing second fiddle to a top-three player in the world.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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