Dallas Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd recently told the media that Shooting Guard Jaden Hardy will get a chance to step up his game this upcoming season. Kidd, 51, confirmed that Hardy, 22, has been waiting for — and working toward — an opportunity to succeed as a member of the Mavericks.
Hardy’s chance to showcase his game could arrive with a delay, as a player like Hardy could struggle to get additional playing time on a Mavericks team with a talented backcourt of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. Doncic, 25, and Irving, 32, could light up their opponents with dribbling and shot-making.
The Mavericks’ backcourt will likely be crowded due to the offseason acquisitions of Shooting Guard Klay Thompson, Small Forward Naji Marshall, and vice versa, but Kidd wants to make some space for Hardy. Here’s how Kidd can do so.
Jaden Hardy Struggles In Years 1 and 2
Jaden Hardy will have to work to earn his playing time in the 2024-25 NBA season, just like the other Dallas Mavericks players. However, Hardy’s struggles in his first two years can negatively impact his upcoming play. Hardy’s best stretch of NBA production occurred around last Christmas.
Jaden Hardy averaged 21.9 minutes and 11.4 points per game in a ten-game span, shooting 36.4% from the three-point line and adding 3.0 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Hardy’s playing time decreased from the previous NBA season in 2022-23, but at least he played in 73 games compared to 48 in his rookie year.
Hardy told Mavs.com, “As last year went on, I started to get better and better … I got an opportunity and I feel like I took the most of that. I took advantage with the minutes I was given and I’m thankful for that. That really helped build my confidence a lot because I was just eager to be out there. I feel like I belonged on the floor and like I could help the team.”
Hardy In Final Season Of 3-Year Contract
Jaden Hardy is in the final season of a three-year contract worth $4.7 million that he signed after getting drafted 37th overall in the second round of the 2022 NBA Draft by the Mavericks. Hardy is aware of performing well in the next six months, but he’s also focused on helping the Mavericks return to the NBA Finals.
Jaden Hardy told Mavs.com, “I know we have a deep roster. But you just have to stay ready … It comes down to being a pro. I try to bring great energy, that positive vibe, when I get out there. It (training camp) is really big. We want to start off having a good season, start off the right way. For me, (it’s about) coming into camp in better shape – I’m stronger. I feel faster. I’m just ready to get after it.”
Hardy’s Potential Role in 2024-25
Jaden Hardy reportedly received clear instructions from the Dallas Mavericks coaching staff this offseason. Hardy subsequently worked on his body, prepared for the upcoming season, and made the right decisions. He also worked on his game decisions so he could get a better feel for the game of professional men’s basketball.
Mavericks Head Coach Jason Kidd told Mavs.com, “On paper, we got a lot of starting guards, starting centers – we got a lot of starters … Talking to the guys, we’re going to instigate competition in camp, instigate competition in practice to make the game easier. We’ll see how that pans out. Hardy, he’s been patiently waiting. He’s going to get his opportunity.”
Jaden Hardy reportedly fulfilled his mission and got bigger and stronger, both physically and mentally. It remains unclear if he’ll land a bigger role in Dallas, but he seems satisfied with his progress and confirmed he was ready to start if a teammate like Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, or Klay Thompson was injured.
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