Top 5 most intriguing quotes from Dallas Mavericks Media Day

The Dallas Mavericks Media Day came and went last Friday, September, 29. And while there weren't any dramatic headlines to take away (which is good during media day typically), there were quite a few captivating quotes from Mavericks players throughout Friday morning.

Most players shunned questions that dealt with roles, contract negotiations, and all the other juicy information that NBA media clamors for, but per usual, a few players expanded on some topics that gave us some slightly surprising information.

Top 5 most intriguing quotes from Dallas Mavericks Media Day

Other players carried a more light-hearted nature to their media day approach, with new Mavericks forward Grant Williams flexing after every question because of a dare by Luka Doncic beforehand.

It was a very upbeat media day in Dallas and the vibes certainly appear to be returning to immaculate after a somber close to the 2022-23 season. There were plenty of exciting quotes, but also some puzzling ones, as can be expected.

Here are the top five most intriguing quotes from the Dallas Mavericks Media Day.

5. Tim Hardaway Jr. quotes

Tim Hardaway Jr. had a more clouded media day than others on the team when the Mavericks held their official media day on September 29. Hardaway Jr. was unsure if he was going to be back in Dallas to even attend media day for this go around.

"I didn’t know if I was going to be here this season, if I’m being honest with you."

- Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway Jr. obviously isn't oblivious to his name having been caught up in trade rumors all summer, but he has still been a consummate professional through it all as he enters his 11th year in the league. Hardaway Jr. added that he feels much more secure in his role with the team now that he's made it to media day.

Given how tradable his contract is though, coupled with how overstaffed the Mavericks are at the guard positions, the opportunity for Hardaway Jr. to be dealt this season still very much presents itself.

Hardaway Jr. was asked at the press conference how he sees himself playing into the sixth-man role that Jason Kidd theorized for him on a radio appearance with 97.1 The Freak recently.

"You guys heard it first from him. I’m a hybrid, I guess, at this point of my career. Whether I start or come off the bench, I’m not going to be one to have an ego or anything like that. That’s not going to get you anywhere."

- Tim Hardaway Jr.

After a follow-up question was prompted in regard to if winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award was appealing to Hardaway Jr., he had this to say.

"Once I have a conversation with him (Kidd), then we’ll see."

- Tim Hardaway Jr.

This shows Hardaway Jr. hasn't even directly spoken to Kidd (subscription required) in regard to his role. The Mavericks had a similar issue last season with Christian Wood during his media day press conference in 2022.

While it doesn't seem like Hardaway Jr. is taking anything too personally, his overall shift in tone during his media day press conference bodes credence to the fact that he may not feel entirely secure with his role on the team, so it'll at least be something to continue monitoring going forward.