Why the Dallas Mavericks need to find minutes for Jaden Hardy

Why Dallas Mavericks need to play Jaden Hardy more: 1. Learn to play a role

When Hardy plays for the Legends, the offense goes through him. He gets the majority of the shots and is the focal point of the offense, but that will not be the case for the Mavs. Luka Doncic is the first, second, and third option in Dallas. He will do the majority of the ball-handling and playmaking along with being the unquestioned leading scorer.

To play significant minutes with the Mavericks, Hardy will have to learn to play off number 77. Jalen Brunson did a fantastic job last season as the team’s second-leading scorer and playmaker as the team reached the conference finals. Can Hardy morph into a similar option? He must work on his jumper and mid-range game to fill any gaps created by Luka drawing the defense.

The 20-year-old rookie needs to learn to play a role on the defensive end too. He is never going to be a lockdown option that guards the opposition’s best player. It is not in Hardy’s game, but he could be a productive tertiary offensive option that holds his own on the defensive end. He must put in the work to get there, but it is a possibility.

Head coach Jason Kidd needs to find more minutes for Jaden Hardy. He does not have to be part of the nightly rotation, but the Mavericks cannot be afraid of putting him in the game, especially when the offense needs a spark. Will Dallas play him more? Stay tuned to find out.