6 Unexpected X-factors for the Dallas Mavericks' 2024-25 season

4. Jaden Hardy

Just like Dante Exum, guard Jaden Hardy is also due for a contract after 2025, and has pressure on himself to determine whether or not he can be a core piece or trade bait for the Mavs moving forward.

A big difference is Hardy is younger than Exum. Hardy turned 22 in July. And like Exum, Hardy played well coming off the bench last season averaging 7.3 points per game, and has shown to be a reliable 3-point shooter.

Hardy struggled at times during the playoffs, but Hardy did have one good game against the Boston Celtics in the 2024 NBA Finals. Hardy scored 11 points in the opening game of the Finals off the bench. He was also great in the Western Conference Finals, and he showed flashes that he can be a good role player moving forward.

In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Hardy shot better from three than he did in the regular season. Hardy shot 41 percent from three but averaged 4.2 points per game.

Hardy finds himself in a tough position being a young guard on a deep guard depth team. But, a good third season can turn the corner for him.

Head coach Jason Kidd might want to give him more minutes to see how far he can take his game. But, with Spencer Dinwiddie signed, it could give him less minutes as well and be a tradable player. Being an x-factor in year three of a career might be extra motivation to help Hardy extend his game on the Mavs, but being an x-factor won't be easy with the talent of the Mavs roster.