3 reasons why Jaden Hardy will be the Dallas Mavericks' third star

Reason #2. Efficiency

Playing alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving will be the most important factor in all of this. In order to fit with this team, Jaden Hardy will need to be able to hit catch-and-shoot three-point attempts and create his own shot off the bench.

Overall, Hardy shot 40.4 percent from three-point range last season, and 82.5 percent of those were assisted. Pertaining specifically to the catch-and-shoot variety, he shot 41.4 percent on 2.1 attempts per game. That ranked him second among all rookies who played in at least 40 games.

However, being the third scoring punch requires more than just hitting open threes. Having the ability to attack opposing defenses off the dribble is crucial in keeping defenders honest, and Hardy also excelled at that.

Among rookies who played at least 40 games and averaged five or more drives per game, Hardy ranked second with a field goal percentage of 48.5 percent.

For comparison, although on a much larger sample size, superstar Ja Morant shot 48.8 percent on drives to the basket.

Being able to not only make open three-point attempts set up by Doncic and Irving but also being able to attack close-outs and put pressure on the interior of opposing defenses should allow Hardy to flourish as a third scorer. It should also provide a dynamic to the Mavericks' offense that hasn't been seen since Jason Terry was walking the halls of the AAC.