3 keys to Jaden Hardy’s development with the Dallas Mavericks

Key to Dallas Mavericks rookie Jaden Hardy’s development: 1. Shot selection

Hardy is a scorer that is always looking to get a bucket. He struggled to finish at the rim in the G League, but some of that can be written off as he adjusted to playing against professionals. The 6’4 guard can score at all three levels, and he gives Dallas an intriguing prospect to develop. The team’s top priority should be to get his shot selection under control.

Fans saw it during Hardy’s up-and-down performance in the Las Vegas Summer League where he averaged 5.0 turnovers per game and shot 34.7 percent from the field. He is never afraid to shoot, but sometimes that becomes a detriment. Hardy’s confidence lets him think he is making the shot, but in reality, he cannot.

The Mavericks rookie struggled mightily against double teams during summer league, and he just took too many bad shots. Hardy did the same thing for the Ignite last season, and he needs to figure out when his shot is there versus when to give the ball up. The coaching staff is already working on this with the 20-year-old because it is the key to improving his efficiency.

Jaden Hardy is far from a finished product, but the Dallas Mavericks are excited about his potential. Can he improve his playmaking, shot selection, and defense? If he does, the Mavs have the steal of the draft on their hands, so stay tuned.