Why the Dallas Mavericks need to find minutes for Jaden Hardy

The Dallas Mavericks traded back into the second round to select Jaden Hardy. The 20-year-old guard was a projected top-ten pick before his lone season playing for the G League Ignite. He struggled with his efficiency playing against grown men, and it dropped him out of the first round. The talent was still there, and the Mavs had a first-round grade on him, so they pounced when slipped to 38th on draft night.

Hardy’s talent is unquestioned, and the 6’4 guard has averaged 28.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 33.3 minutes over 11 games with the Texas Legends where he is shooting 54.9 percent from the field and 49.0 percent on his threes. He has dominated the G League this season, but the rookie has only played 78 minutes for the Mavericks and has been limited to mop-up duties.

Head coach Jason Kidd discussed the importance of getting him minutes in his first NBA season, but the team has to balance that against winning now. Hardy’s not playing for several reasons, but here is why they need to find him more minutes.

Why Dallas Mavericks need to play Jaden Hardy more: 3. Learn from mistakes

It is impossible to learn from mistakes if the player never gets on the court to make them. Hardy is practicing with the team, but the team is not scrimmaging given the packed schedule and injuries they are dealing with. Being shorthanded has the Mavs keeping the 20-year-old rookie in Dallas, but he still cannot crack the rotation. That leaves him without minutes.

The Mavericks should be maximizing his minutes all season. If they know Jaden Hardy is not going to play in their game, the team should send him down to get minutes for the Legends. He needs to work on his playmaking, distributing, ball-handling, shot selection, and defense. The best place to do that is on the court in game action. The Mavs need to let Hardy play.

Not just in the G League either. Jaden Hardy needs more NBA minutes to make mistakes and grow his game. The 6’4 guard has a high ceiling, but he will never reach it unless he gets playing time.

Why Dallas Mavericks need to play Jaden Hardy more: 2. Diversify skill set

Hardy has been the best player on his team for most of his life. He is immensely talented and a true three-level scorer. The 20-year-old was the number two player in his high school class, but he cannot just be a scorer in the NBA. Hardy needs to diversify his game if he is going to reach his ceiling.

The Mavericks need him to be a secondary playmaker and ball-handler that plays within their defensive scheme. Turnovers and decision-making are significant issues for the 20-year-old. He struggles to read the game and make the proper play. He has the perfect mentor in Jason Kidd. The Mavs head coach was one of the best point guards in NBA history, but Hardy needs playing time to put those lessons into use.

His defensive intensity fluctuates, and he struggles on that end of the floor. Consider this reason number one why Hardy has not played more minutes. Coach Kidd has emphasized defense since taking over in the summer of 2022, and Jaden Hardy must improve here if he wants to play significant minutes for the Mavericks at any point in his career.

What can Jaden Hardy add to his game? Fans saw Josh Green take a massive leap this season, but that was only after he got playing time in his second season. Will Hardy get those valuable minutes and expand his game in the offseason? He must diversify his skill set, but that means getting playing time and using it to improve.

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.