Dallas Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr. has shot locked in for NBA Disney

Dallas Mavericks wing Tim Hardaway Jr. has his shot locked in ahead of NBA Disney

The Dallas Mavericks are just beginning their preparations for the NBA’s restart. Tim Hardaway Jr. is back in Dallas after spending much of the hiatus in Miami. He will be key to the Mavs success in Orlando.

Luka Doncic is the engine of the offense, but one thing that took them from above average to historically great is Hardaway Jr. His ability to space the floor has created more room for the Mavericks to operate. Nobody expected THJ to shoot over 40 percent from 3-point range this season. His transformation has been impressive. See a grade for his play so far this season here.

Hardaway Jr. will need to continue that into the playoffs for the Mavs to make a deep run. That means having his shot locked in during training camp 2.0, so Dallas can get off to a fast start in Orlando. They may not have to wait that long.

Dallas Mavericks wing Tim Hardaway Jr. has his shot ready for NBA Orlando

The Mavs posted a brief video of Hardaway Jr. working out in Miami during the hiatus. His shot looks dialed in already.

https://twitter.com/dallasmavs/status/1275144616380153859

It is positive news for the Mavericks. Since joining the starting five, Hardaway Jr. has averaged 17.3 points and 3.2 3-pointers made in 30.5 minutes per game while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 43.0 percent on his threes. Dallas needs that THJ to be a formidable contender in the deep Western Conference.

Hardaway Jr. will be back in the playoffs for the first time since 2017. His postseason production has been worrisome so far. Over 15 games, Hardaway Jr. averages 6.5 points in 19.1 minutes per while shooting 31.5 percent from the field and 29.2 percent on his 3-pointers. Hopefully, the 28-year-old corrects the ship with the Mavericks in Orlando.

Supporters should be watching Hardaway Jr. closely during the eight seeding games starting in July. The Mavs need him to play his best. Expect THJ to deliver during NBA Disney.