3 studs, 2 duds from Mavericks' second-straight preseason loss to Timberwolves

1. Stud - Jaden Hardy

This summer, there were some predictions by a Mavericks Insider that Jaden Hardy would be outside of Dallas' rotation.

Dallas added some solid guards over the offseason, and he just thought that Hardy would get lost in the rotation. Despite that prediction, Hardy has proved that he is still an elite isolation scorer, and his ability to shoot off the catch is one of the best on the team.

In Saturday's game, Hardy finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Hardy did end up having six turnovers, but it must be considered that this is a preseason game, and Hardy is only in his second season.

When he is leaned upon to handle the ball as much as he is, turnovers and missed shots will happen. Dallas made him the main ball handler during Summer League, and let him go through the growing pains.

This tactic could prove to be effective for Dallas, as he won't have to handle the ball as much during the regular season, and will be ready when his number is called.

His ability to be an off-ball threat combined with his elite abilities as an isolation scorer will make him indispensable for Dallas this season in his role off the bench.