Why the Mavericks can stay afloat without Luka Doncic

It's impossible to replace Luka Doncic's nightly production and winning intangibles — even by committee. But the Dallas Mavericks (19-11) may have enough firepower to stay afloat until the Slovenian returns from his calf strain. 

Kyrie Irving — shooting a career-high 44.4% from three — is more than adept at replicating some of what Doncic does, especially the dribble-penetration and playmaking part. He will have a competent supporting cast headlined by offseason acquisitions Klay Thompson (14.3 points per game), Naji Marshall (11.2 points per game) and Quentin Grimes (9.1 points per game) to go with steady vets P.J. Washington (12.4 points per game) and Daniel Gafford (12.0 points per game). 

Furthermore, Doncic's injury opens the door for guards Spencer Dinwiddie (8.1 points per game) and Jaden Hardy (6.5 points per game) to assume larger roles. The latter had many moments in last year's playoffs that made head coach Jason Kidd a believer in his talents. 

There's enough evidence to suggest Dallas will survive Doncic's absence. Unlike some of the previous iterations of the Mavericks in the Doncic era, this team is not mediocre with him off the court. As many as 10 non-Doncic players have been net positives this season, and the Mavericks are 6-2 without their fearless leader thus far. 

Thompson is more than confident that Irving will excel in holding down the fort. 

"Realize Kyrie is going to take us home," Thompson said, via Mavs.com. "He's our closer. For everybody else, it's just about getting a good rhythm and trusting one another. Playing hard, especially defensively. It's an opportunity for one (or more) of us to step up. It can be done. (Doncic is) obviously our best player but we got to be tested and this is a good test ahead."

The "good test" begins Friday with a four-game road trip with stops in Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento and Houston, before returning home to host Cleveland next Friday. Doncic is set to be reevaluated after a month or so, meaning the team will likely be without him for at least 12-15 games. 

If the Mavs can remain even .600 without Doncic, they will likely hang on to their top-four seed, given their two-game lead over the fifth-seeded Nuggets.