Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie out vs. Hornets: Who steps up?

The Dallas Mavericks wanted another ball-handler at the trade deadline, and they decided to make a shocking trade by dealing Kristaps Porzingis to the Wizards for Spencer Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans. Moving on from KP was a surprise, but the early returns suggest Dallas hit a homerun with the deal.

Dinwiddie is putting up 17.5 points, 4.2 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 1.0 steal while shooting 48.7 percent from the field and 40.3 percent on his threes through his first 13 games with the Mavs. Dallas has won ten of the 13 with Dinwiddie sinking two game-winners. His ability to attack off the dribble has added a new dimension to the Mavericks' offense, and the team has fully embraced their newest addition.

Spencer Dinwiddie will miss Saturday’s game in Charlotte against the Hornets as he rests his knee on the second night of a back-to-back. He was limited to just three games last season after tearing his ACL, so Dallas is being cautious as Dinwiddie has already become a key piece for the Mavericks. Who steps up against the Hornets with the 6’5 guard out.

Spencer Dinwiddie out vs. Hornets: Who steps up for the Dallas Mavericks?

The Mavs appeared to be getting Reggie Bullock for Saturday’s game, but he was ruled out around 3 p.m. CT. He will miss his fourth straight game with a personal issue, and the Mavericks will be down multiple important pieces against the Hornets.

Josh Green and Frank Ntilikina will play key roles for Dallas on March 19. They will need a bit of extra ball-handling with Dinwiddie on the sidelines. Can either wing step up and be the secondary creator in the second unit? Expect Green to get plenty of opportunities on Saturday. He will be asked to handle the ball more, and it will be interesting to see how he performs.

Spencer Dinwiddie should return when the Dallas Mavericks get back home to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night. Expect the hot streak to continue when he gets back on the floor, and stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on the Mavs.