6 Dallas Mavericks players whose stock has surged this preseason

1. Jaden Hardy

Going into training camp, one of the biggest storylines and wonders among fans was the battle for guard minutes off the bench between Spencer Dinwiddie, Dante Exum, and Jaden Hardy. After Exum went down with a wrist injury that could sideline him until 2025, the battle narrowed down to just Dinwiddie and Hardy.

Hardy has played himself into a role for next season while Dinwiddie has struggled mightily.

Through three games, Hardy is averaging 16.3 points, 5.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 40.5 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from downtown. His 3-point shooting has been deadly thus far, and this is exactly what the Mavs need from him this season. Hardy needs to be able to hit open shots off the catch, and his sweet stroke from his rookie season looks like it has returned.

Hardy's decision-making and passing look like they have grown some, helping him pick up where he left off during his emergence at the end of last year's playoffs. He likely won't ever have to be a primary initiator, but him making the right reads quickly and efficiently will be important as a secondary creator.

By the looks of how this preseason has played out, Hardy looks ready for whatever role Jason Kidd decides to give him, and he has been patiently waiting for the opportunity to be a consistent role player. There was a level of frustration when it came to Hardy's fluctuating role last season, and a good start to the season could help him cement a spot as a normal rotation player.