Dallas Mavericks trade for 37th pick in 2022 NBA Draft: Select Jaden Hardy

The Dallas Mavericks traded two future second-round picks to acquire the 37th overall pick on draft night, according to Adrian Wojnarowski. It opened the door for Dallas to select Jaden Hardy. The 6’4 guard was the last player left in the green room on draft night, and the Mavs got a potential steal.

Hardy played for the G League Ignite last season where he averaged 17.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.3 steals in 32.2 minutes per game over his 12 contests in the G League Showcase. The 19-year-old struggled with his shot and committed 3.5 turnovers per game, but he is a gifted scorer that is still developing.

Hardy was projected by some as a lottery pick coming into this season. Dallas got a talented prospect coming off a down season. Still, the 6’4 guard was expected to go in the first round by most because of his ability to handle the ball and score.

Dallas Mavericks trade for 37th pick in 2022 NBA Draft: Select Jaden Hardy

General manager and president of basketball operations Nico Harrison does it again. He used two future second-round picks to trade into the draft, and select a prospect with massive upside. Hardy will be the star of the Mavericks Las Vegas Summer League squad, and he should get plenty of buckets in Vegas.

The 6'4 guard could develop into a three-level scorer that is likely best suited as a sixth man. Hardy still has massive upside for a second-round selection.

Hardy was the first draft pick of the Nico Harrison era. The Mavericks did not make a draft pick last year, and they had traded both picks in the 2022 draft before acquiring this selection.

Head coach Jason Kidd wants to develop young talent, and now he has a scoring guard to mold. The 19-year-old could blossom in Dallas, but fans should not expect to see him in the rotation this season. He will play most of his minutes in Frisco with the Texas Legends. Hardy could be the steal of the draft, and fans should watch his development closely.