Dallas Mavericks to workout Jaden Hardy: Could they land him in 2022 NBA Draft?

The Dallas Mavericks have the 26th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, and the Stepien Rule prevents them from trading it. They could trade the rights to the selection on draft night and choose for another team. The Mavs are listening to offers, but their main focus is improving the roster around superstar Luka Doncic.

The front office is preparing like they are going to keep the selection. Dallas will host multiple players for workouts, and The Athletic’s Josh Robbins reported that the Mavericks are one of eight teams expected to workout Jaden Hardy.

Hardy was ranked second in the ESPN 100 coming out of high school in 2021, but an uneven season with the G League Ignite has him projected as a late first-round pick on June 23. Will the Mavericks snag the teenage guard in the draft?

Dallas Mavericks to workout Jaden Hardy: Could they land him in 2022 NBA Draft?

Hardy struggled mightily during the G League Showcase, but he still displayed his ability to score. He averaged 17.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 steals in 32.2 minutes per game, despite shooting 35.1 percent from the field and just 26.9 percent on his 3-pointers.

His shot came around a bit during the exhibition portion of their slate as he averaged 21.9 points per game on 40.3 percent from the field and 35.3 percent on his threes. Hardy can get buckets, but will his efficiency and shot selection improve?

Jaden Hardy could be a Sixth Man of the Year candidate in the NBA or fail to crack the rotation because of his poor shot selection and turnovers. He has the tools to be special, but Hardy must find the right situation in the draft that helps him reach his ceiling.