6 Dallas Mavericks who have failed to meet expectations this season

4. Jaden Hardy

Dallas Mavericks guard Jaden Hardy entered the 2023-24 season after having a phenomenal rookie year last season as he averaged 8.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from downtown.

Hardy was a key piece for the Mavs as a rookie, and his ability to score in bunches off the bench while knocking down open 3-pointers was outstanding. He ended the season as one of the hottest and most consistent shooters on the team, but his play has taken a dip this season.

This season, Hardy is averaging 7.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.3 steals per game while shooting 40.9 percent from the field and 36.7 percent from downtown. Although he has shown some promising stretches this season and proved he deserves minutes, he hasn't taken the second-year jump that the Mavs have needed from him.

It also doesn't help that Hardy's minutes have been extremely inconsistent and head coach Jason Kidd has even alluded to him not being in the rotation, but his play lately has not been great. Sometimes he gets fixated on trying to do too much rather than just play within the flow of the offense, and that is when he is at his worst, especially if he's missing his shots.

One positive from this season from Hardy has been his growth as a playmaker, as he has shown flashes of great decision-making and precise passes.

Hardy has not had a horrible season and he certainly deserves more playing time, but his improvements were marginal from last season.