4 Dallas Mavericks whose stocks are skyrocketing, 4 that are fading fast

After eight games, the Dallas Mavericks are sitting at 6-2 and second place in the Western Conference.

This is not the position that the national media predicted Dallas to be in, as seemingly every writer thought that the Mavs wouldn't be a contender this season.

Dallas has proved everyone wrong so far, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.

4 Dallas Mavericks whose stocks are skyrocketing, 4 that are fading fast

Many of their offseason additions are stepping up in a big way, showing that Nico Harrison did a great job of constructing a complimentary roster around Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Here's a look at four Mavericks whose stock is skyrocketing, along with four players whose stock is fading fast this season.

8. Stock skyrocketing: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway Jr. and the Mavs were seemingly in an awkward spot during training camp, as Hardaway Jr. said that he and head coach Jason Kidd hadn't talked about his potential role yet.

Kidd made it clear to the media that Hardaway Jr. would be coming off the bench this season, but when Hardaway Jr. was asked about it, he seemed confused.

After eight games, Hardaway Jr. has embraced his role of coming off the bench and has been crucial for Dallas in many of their games.

Hardaway Jr. is averaging 18.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game while shooting 40.5 percent from downtown. He is still displaying his ability to score in bunches often and has stepped up as a leader for this team as well.

Hardaway Jr. was one of the veterans who stepped up in the locker room during halftime of Dallas' comeback win over the Orlando Magic, and he is proving that he isn't just an overpaid sharpshooter.

He is someone who can contribute on a playoff team, and the teams that passed on trading for him this summer are likely regretting it now as he could be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year.