Mavericks: Evaluating changes Tim Hardaway Jr. has made to his game this year

Dallas Mavericks wing Tim Hardaway Jr. is having the most efficient shooting season of his career. Let us look at the changes he has made with the Mavs.

The Dallas Mavericks swung a blockbuster trade just days ahead of the deadline in 2019. The deal came as a surprise. There were few rumors swirling at the time. Everyone knew the Mavs were going to be active. It was also no secret that both Luka Doncic and Dennis Smith Jr. were best with the ball in their hands.

The Mavericks jumped at the opportunity to trade for Kristaps Porzingis. He was still recovering from a torn ACL, but he gave Dallas a second star and brought the perfect complement to Doncic.

Acquiring KP did not come cheap. The Mavs owe the Knicks first round picks in 2021 and 2023. They also gave up three starters in DSJ, DeAndre Jordan, and Wesley Matthews.

The Knicks had free agent dreams in the summer of 2019. They wanted to offload salary in the trade to have the cap space to acquire a star. The Mavericks agreed to take on Courtney Lee, Trey Burke, and Tim Hardaway Jr. to satisfy New York. The Knicks struck out in free agency, and Dallas turned THJ into a crucial piece of their success this season.

How did Hardaway Jr. go from a salary dump for New York to starter shooting over 40 percent from 3-point range on Mavs in one year? Let us examine the changes that have allowed him to unlock his most efficient play in Dallas.

Next: Luka factor