Dallas Mavericks: 5 positives from this season so far

2. Tim Hardaway Jr.

The play of Tim Hardaway Jr. has been one of the keys to the Dallas Mavericks’ success. He is playing the best basketball of his career next to Luka Doncic in Dallas.

The Mavs acquired him as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade from New York. Hardaway Jr. played 19 games for the Mavericks last season before he had season-ending surgery.

Heading into the year, THJ was an afterthought. He was penciled in for a role playing 20 minutes per game as instant offense off the bench. Then, Seth Curry came down with an illness allowing Hardaway Jr. to earn a start, and his production exploded.

He has been in the opening five for every game since. THJ is averaging 17.3 points and 3.2 3-pointers during that 50 game stretch. That includes shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 43.0 percent on his 3-pointers.

Playing next to Luka has transformed Hardaway Jr. into an efficient shooter and scorer. Fans can read more about the duo’s numbers here.

The incredible play casts serious doubt on his future. Hardaway Jr. has a player option for next season at nearly $19 million. He likely declines that now in search of a massive deal in free agency. Will the Mavericks be willing to pay for his services? Stay tuned.

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