Mavericks sharpshooter is slowly fulfilling head coach Jason Kidd’s bold prediction

In just seven games through the season, Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. has made an obvious case for being a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

Hardaway Jr. is someone that has been a hybrid starter during his time in Dallas, as he sometimes comes off the bench and starts at other times.

Mavericks sharpshooter is slowly fulfilling head coach Jason Kidd’s bold prediction

Before this season started, Jason Kidd joined “The Saturday Stein Line with Marc Stein” and made a bold prediction for Hardaway Jr. and his role for the team.

"I'm excited, again for Timmy [Tim Hardaway Jr.], looking to talk to him about being Sixth Man of the Year. That would help our team, put us in a really good seat if he's up for Sixth Man of the Year and I think he's capable of doing that."

- Jason Kidd

Hardaway Jr. came off a great performance in last night’s win, dropping 21 points and six rebounds. Coming off the bench, Hardaway Jr. is nearly playing 30 minutes per game and has shot an efficient 38.5 percent from the three-point line this season.

On the year, Hardaway Jr. is averaging 18.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game.

So far in this 2023-24 season, Jason Kidd has made some great coaching decisions that have allowed the Mavs to get off to a 6-1 start. Allowing Hardaway Jr. to see the flow of the game before checking in has clearly benefited his play.

Although Hardaway Jr. can create his own shot, the star duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving has done a great job of creating open shots for the potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate.

Hardaway Jr. has started off cold at the beginning of some of the games this season, but him having no fear to shoot and always staying ready are two of the reasons why the Mavericks have been so successful in late-game situations.

As beneficial as Hardaway Jr. has been on the offensive side of the floor, he has stepped up some as a defender as well. Although he still struggles some on the perimeter, he has done a great job of drawing charges. He is currently tied for third in the NBA with four drawn charges.

Many fans in the past have wanted Hardaway Jr. on the trade block, but after his recent performances, it seems they may regret those remarks as he has clearly been one of the best players in the NBA.

Kidd's prediction that Hardaway Jr. could be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year seemed like a longshot at the time, but he is proving that he is worthy of the confidence that his head coach showed him.

If Tim Hardaway Jr. can keep up with his hot start to the season, expect the Mavs to remain one of the top teams in the NBA.

For all the latest on Tim Hardaway Jr., Jason Kidd, and the Dallas Mavericks, stay tuned.