Dallas Mavericks rookie Jaden Hardy is already doing work in the community

The Dallas Mavericks traded back into the 2022 NBA Draft to select Jaden Hardy. They dealt their first-round pick for Christian Wood and sent their second-round choice to Washington in the Kristaps Porzingis for Spencer Dinwiddie swap. Dallas had their eyes on Hardy with the 26th pick before they traded it, so when the 6’4 guard slipped into the second round the front office pounced by dealing two future seconds to the Kings for the 38th selection and the rights to draft Hardy.

The Mavs love the 20-year-old’s potential and ability to score at all three levels. He was the number two player in the 2021 high school class before his stock fell after an up-and-down season with the G League Ignite. Hardy averaged 19.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 32.6 minutes per game, but his shooting efficiency, shot selection, and turnovers were problematic.

Early returns suggest the 6’4 rookie is playing well in the team’s preseason pickup games, and he is already getting busy doing community service too. Here is a look at what fans know, and what to expect from the 20-year-old this season.

Dallas Mavericks rookie Jaden Hardy is already doing work in the community

Fellow Mavericks guard Spencer Dinwiddie has been touting Hardy’s play on his IG stories. Both players are known for getting buckets, so it should come as no surprise that they are dominating pickup games together.

Hardy spent his Saturday running a free basketball clinic for 100 children at the Shelton School in North Dallas. The 20-year-old is committed to giving back, and fans should expect to see him at a ton of community events this season.

On the court, Hardy will be battling Frank Ntilikina, Josh Green, and Tyler Dorsey for a place in the rotation. The rookie offers some ball-handling and playmaking ability that the Mavericks need, but can he improve his efficiency? Expect most of Hardy’s minutes to come with the Texas Legends this season, but fans will see some flashes from the 20-year-old rookie.

The Dallas Mavericks kick off the new season with media day on Sept. 26, and fans should be ready for a fun ride. Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on Jaden Hardy and the team this season.