Luka Doncic’s injury gives Mavericks youngster perfect chance at redemption

After defeating the Phoenix Suns in impressive fashion after the team's first game without Luka Doncic in the lineup, Mavericks fans were looking for similar domination against the struggling Portland Trail Blazers.

In addition to Doncic's calf injury, the Mavericks were without forwards P.J. Washington and Naji Marshall, as both players were serving suspensions after the altercation with Jusuf Nurkic on Friday night. Without Washington and Marshall in the lineup, it proved to be the difference maker on Saturday night against the Trail Blazers.

Despite the Mavericks' slew of suspensions and injuries, multiple Mavericks could take advantage and prove to Jason Kidd they can crack the rotation. With this in mind, Jaden Hardy must take advantage of this next month as the player could be on the trade block if he doesn't prove he can play within an NBA system.

Doncic’s injury gives much-needed break to Jaden Hardy

Since being drafted by the Mavericks in 2023, Hardy's role in Dallas has been shaky. In his third season as a pro, despite having impressive stretches this season, he has still struggled to maintain legitimate minutes on the Mavericks.

It's an understatement to say Hardy has had a hard time seeing legit minutes on an NBA floor, but now could be the best time if he wishes to stay in Dallas. While Doncic's injury could spark a long month for the Mavericks, his injury could open up more opportunities for Hardy and other Mavericks.

Doncic's injury leaves a huge void at the point guard position for Dallas and Hardy could be the third option Mavericks fans have wanted him to be throughout his career. With Dinwiddie's emergence as a Mav, Hardy's role as a playmaker may not need to be needed like it was at the beginning of the year.

While Hardy's playmaking will be a positive addition to the Mavericks offense, with Dinwiddie on the floor, his role as a point guard would be more focused on scoring than it needs to be on distributing the ball.

Against Portland, Hardy had a productive 11 points off the bench and helped give the shorthanded Mavericks a chance at winning three straight. In addition to Hardy's 11 points, he was able to attack the basket, which caused multiple defenders to collapse and create wide-open shooters around the perimeter.

With a tough stretch of games ahead of the Mavericks, the team will need all of Hardy's offensive capabilities if they wish to walk out of this next week with a few wins. Hardy will not only be asked to play more minutes with Doncic injured, but the third-year guard's time on the floor could be the most important of his career.

Hardy has long been rumored to be on the trading block in Dallas and if the right opportunity presents itself, Hardy could be on the way out. Assuming he can display his best brand of basketball with Doncic sidelined, Hardy could become an integral part of the rotation.