5 Reasons the Dallas Mavericks shouldn't trade Tim Hardaway Jr.

Before the season kicked off, both fans and media had Tim Hardaway Jr. on the trade block. However, he has swiftly showcased his value to a contending team, making a significant impact early on. Hardaway Jr. is playing some of the best basketball of his career, and has been crucial for Dallas'

The Dallas Mavericks are on fire during the first month of the regular season, and the bench's contribution plays a big part in this early success

5 Reasons the Dallas Mavericks shouldn't trade Tim Hardaway Jr.

Diving deeper into the production of the Mavericks' bench, we can easily see the impact of Tim Hardaway Jr. on the floor and in the box score.

5. Consistent Shooting

One thing we know about Timmy is his unwavering ability to shoot the ball, coupled with the confidence to do so. This is Hardaway Jr.'s most sought-after trait and what makes him valuable to a team.

Through 10 games he's averaging 17.6 points, and 4.3 rebounds while shooting nearly 40% from three (stats of November 14). Hardaway Jr. has always been known as a microwave scorer and over the years he has successfully transitioned his game to become more of a spot-up shooter.

Through his performance, Hardaway Jr. has made it clear he intends to be in the running for the Sixth Man of the Year award and just might be the early frontrunner for it. As the season unfolds, his consistency and impact off the bench will continue to bolster this Mavericks team and his chances for the prestigious award.

There will be games where Hardaway Jr. shoots 20% from three or 60%, but I think he's shown us his ability to be a reliable option on offense and as a spot-up shooter. His streakiness looks like it will always remain, but his ability to get hot remains invaluable for Dallas.

It seems like Dallas typically wins when Hardaway Jr. shoots well, so hopefully he can keep this hot start to the season up over the next few months.

4. Perimeter defense

In a surprising turn, Hardaway Jr. has not only defied expectations as a scorer but has also quietly dismantled the stereotype of him as a lackadaisical defender. Often labeled as a potentially lazy defender earlier in his career, he has showcased a significant improvement in his perimeter defense.

While offensive prowess tends to dominate discussions around his game, Hardaway Jr.'s commitment to his defensive skills has become an unspoken yet valued aspect of his contribution to the team. It's an evolution in his game that often goes unnoticed, but one that has undoubtedly added a valuable dimension to his overall performance on the court.

Head coach Jason Kidd talked a lot about the guys buying in, and I believe one of those guys would be Hardaway Jr., who is very capable on the defensive end and has the athletic ability to succeed on that end. Defense in the NBA is more about mentality than it is about ability, and the first step is the want to. And Hardaway Jr. has wanted to this season.

He is one of the league leaders in drawn charges this season, and puts his body on the floor for his teammates on a nightly basis.

The difference between Hardaway Jr. being a Maverick versus being dangled in trade talks is the effort he presents on defense throughout the rest of the year. Buying into a defensive scheme allows Tim to mold into the 3-and-D player the modern NBA admires.

3. Veteran experience

We are all aware of the young and inexperienced group that is on this Mavericks team. One under-appreciated trait that every championship contender needs is veteran experience

The Mavericks have a sparse amount of veterans in comparison to their young guys, so players like Tim Hardaway Jr. who have been around a few teams and had a few different roles can contribute to the knowledge of the young guys.

In today's NBA, there are two types of veteran experience. One category comprises veterans who lead by example on the court, demonstrating how to navigate the game through their play. The other consists of veterans who, while not actively playing, contribute to their knowledge by explaining and dissecting the ins and outs of the game on the bench, almost serving as an additional coaching presence.

Tim Hardaway Jr., in the prime of his career, has found his solidified role as a 3-and-D guy which means competence from three and on the defensive side. With a lot of young guys still figuring out their way and role in this league, Hardaway Jr. would be a good vet for Mavericks young guys to watch.

Looking around the league, guys aren't always bought in and on this Mavericks team, we can see how that makes a difference. We will continue to see the display of Hardaway Jr.'s leadership on and off the court throughout this season.

2. Chemistry and cohesion

Tim Hardaway Jr. stands as one of the longest-tenured players on the roster, and he has always fit nicely next to Luka Doncic regardless of coach or scheme.

The importance of having good team chemistry and a nicely cohesive unit on the floor speaks for itself. Hardaway Jr. has been on the Mavericks for this long because his play style goes hand in hand with Doncic.

Hardaway Jr. spaces the floor for the stars and ball handlers of the team, Doncic and Irving. Along with being a floor spacer, you need to have a strong shot-making ability, and lastly, those stars need to trust you in big moments.

As the season progresses particularly in the postseason, chemistry and cohesion become paramount. It's been a few years, but Hardaway Jr. has consistently displayed what coaches and fans desire in a rotation player. He is always in motion, continually seeking opportunities to get a shot up.

The symbiotic relationship between Hardaway Jr. and the team's stars, Doncic and Kyrie Irving, extends beyond mere statistical contributions. It's a testament to the trust that has developed over the years, a trust that becomes increasingly vital as the season progresses, especially in the high-stakes environment of the postseason.

1. Versatility

Ultimately, one of the biggest reasons the Mavericks should keep Tim Hardaway Jr. is his role versatility. His ability to fix the hole in any lineup can serve so many purposes for this team.

His ability to seamlessly adapt to different roles on the court is a testament to his overall skillset. Whether it's functioning as a primary scorer, a floor spacer, or a reliable defender, Hardaway Jr. offers a multifaceted skill set that significantly contributes to the team's success.

Moreover, as the Mavericks explore different lineups and strategic approaches, Hardaway Jr.'s willingness and capability to embrace different roles make him a real rotation piece. Whether the team requires a scoring spark off the bench or a reliable starter, Hardaway Jr. has consistently demonstrated his capacity to fulfill these roles effectively.

In today's NBA, having a player with the flexibility to assume various roles is an invaluable asset. Showcasing a well-rounded game that can also contribute to the longevity of Hardaway Jr.'s time with the Mavericks and his overall time in the NBA.

As the season unfolds, let's hope Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to prove doubters wrong after summer trade talks, solidifying his impactful role for the Mavericks.

For all the latest on Tim Hardaway Jr. and the Dallas Mavericks this season, stay tuned.