Exclusive: Mavs' Jaden Hardy Speaks on Development, Kyrie Irving's Mentorship

Dallas Mavericks rookie Jaden Hardy leads is making the most of his expanded role since the NBA All-Star break. DallasBasketball.com spoke to him about it.

MIAMI — As the Dallas Mavericks dealt with injuries to a combination of Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Tim Hardaway Jr., their rookie, Jaden Hardy, has received more consistent opportunities as of late. He's been taking advantage of his chances and displaying progression in his development.

Since the NBA All-Star break, Hardy's production has sharply risen, and he's averaging 14.6 points and 2.7 assists in 21.9 minutes per game. During this 12-game stretch, he's shooting an efficient 45.1 percent from the floor, 50.0 percent from 3-point range, and 77.8 percent on free throws.

Perhaps what is most intriguing about Hardy's progression has been his increased efficiency despite handling more playing time and higher usage. He has experienced a 4.9 percent increase in true shooting percentage despite his usage rate rising to 26.7 percent from 23.8 percent. It's a great sign that he's growing comfortable with the NBA game. 

It's difficult to not ponder what Hardy could have achieved in comparison to his peers from his rookie class when considering the lower volume of playing time he's received in comparison. He leads all 42 rookies that have appeared in at least 20 games in points per 100 possessions (28.4). 

A significant factor in Hardy's progression has been the clear rhythm he's established for himself from 3-point range. Whether he's taking the open catch-and-shoot look or getting into a step-back, he's been converting at a very high clip as of late. He's shooting 50.0 percent from deep on 5.7 attempts per game, compared to the 33.8 percent clip he was converting at before.

"Just continuing to gain confidence and working on my game, [during] the hours that aren't seen,” Hardy told DallasBasketball.com. "And just being more confident out there as you know, when I'm out there just focusing on knocking down those shots."

Hardy's ability to attack switches with a controlled pace and tactical approach by reading the matchup and how he's being played has improved with time. He is comfortable getting to his step-back 3 when given a cushion, but can break down a defender to get to the rim when the switch defender is getting more aggressively into the ball. 

"When I'm in those situations, just coming off the screen, seeing what I've got, and trying to get the defenders on their heels to try to make the right play," Hardy said.

Hardy has further displayed his impressive ability to put pressure on the defense by attacking off the catch, whether by being a poised option on the simple catch-and-shoot look, or by putting the ball on the floor. His output of 1.212 points per possession (PPP) on the season in these plays ranks 29th among 244 players with 100+ attempts, directly higher than names like Buddy Hield, Mikal Bridges, and Donovan Mitchell.

When playing alongside dynamic talents like Luka Doncic and Kyrie irving, it's especially important for the complementary perimeter talents to be effective when spacing the floor. Hardy has shown to be a helpful option that elevates the offense when filling such a role next to his superstar teammates.

"Just really just reading my defenders, how he's playing me," Hardy said. "I know my 3-point shot is really my best weapon, so just being able to play off of that, playing off of closeouts and I really don't think anybody can stay in front of me. So just having that confidence."

Since the Mavs traded for Irving, an important element to consider is the new leadership presence the team has gained for Hardy. When Irving is doing individual work at the Mavs' practice facility during the open portion of practices, it's common to see Hardy nearby observing. It quickly became clear that having one of the NBA's most iconic veteran scoring guards would be a helpful resource for Hardy's development. 

"[He wants] to know everybody and he tells everyone to speak up. When we are together as a team, like in the locker room, and things are not going well, he tends to speak up and let it be known how he's feeling. So, I mean, a lot of guys respect that, you know what I'm saying? I feel like he's done a great job ever since he's been here, just like being a leader."

While vocal leadership is important, leading by example that goes a long way, too. Irving has a habit to study game film, put in work during off days, and to show up to the arena before anyone else to get his work done on the court and in the weight room. These are all things that Hardy sees firsthand.

"Just watching. I like watching in the team runs, what he does. Also, how he takes care of his body," Hardy said of Irving. "He likes to watch like a lot of film and taking things like that. So just taking things, what he likes to do and try to add to my routine and to my game."

A recent example of Irving's influence on Hardy's development occurred during a blowout win over the Indiana Pacers. The focus was on the smaller nuances of the game, like being aware of the clock before the end of the quarter to execute with proper timing. 

"Tonight I was talking with Kyrie [when] we were in transition," Hardy said. "He was telling me, just like 'be aware of the clock.' And on the last play, he's asking me did I see the clock and stuff like that. ... He was just making sure I was aware of the timing."

One of the elements of Irving's game that he's most known for is his prolific finishing around the basket. Hardy, whose output of 1.018 PPP on finishes ranks 245th out of 252 players with at least 100 attempts, has a great resource to learn from as he continues to work on this part of his game ahead of the offseason. 

"I feel like, I'm a good finisher at the basket — just keep improving," Hardy said. "Keep working on adding stuff to my package, but I feel like I'm a good finisher at the basket — finishing with either hand. With my athleticism, being able to finish over the top of people"

Another area to monitor in Hardy's development is his passing. He has dished out some impressive passes lately, suggesting some further potential to tap into in this area. With the Mavs having lineups that play faster, he's been able to tap into that. 

"Just being able to get out and play and transition, you know, trying to play fast and get my teammates involved," Hardy said.

When Hardy enters the offseason, he will have a strong idea of what he must work on after playing through his full rookie season. It only helps that he recently has been able to experience more trial and error in meaningful contexts, providing a clearer picture of his development.

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