Mavs Analyst Prediction: Hardy 'Outside' of Kidd's Rotation?

As Jaden Hardy heads into his second season with the Mavericks, questions surrounding the size of his role have been pondered.

Heading into the 2023-24 NBA season, the Dallas Mavericks bring a combination of familiar faces and new pieces to the table in efforts to redeem themselves after a disappointing campaign last season. 

In a recent episode of Take Dat Wit You, Bally Sports Southwest' Brian Dameris and Mark Followill recapped the NBA Summer League and summarized Dallas' offseason, which included Jaden Hardy's role in head coach Jason Kidd's rotation heading into his second season. 

"Hardy on this team, I think is going to be exactly what he was last year," Dameris said. With the addition of veteran guard Seth Curry on his third stint in Dallas, and Tim Hardaway Jr. remaining on the team for now, the Mavs could have themselves a logjam in the backcourt, especially with players coming off the bench. 

"I think Hardy and Seth will interchange minutes, Dameris said. "If Seth is injured or not playing as well then Hardy will get more run but to me right now, Hardy's just on the outside of that rotation but I think maybe towards later parts of the season, that could change."

In his rookie season, Hardy averaged 8.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range. In three games during Summer League earlier this month, Hardy ranked fourth in scoring, averaging 23.0 points per game along with 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.0 steals.

Though for Dameris' co-host, Followill disagreed with his view on Hardy's role ahead of the 2023-24 season: "At this point, I think Hardy's in the rotation more than you think but of course, we'll see."

Dameris' point of Dallas bringing in a more established player in Curry as a reliable shooter to pair next Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving is valid, but Hardy's role remaining stagnant would be detrimental to both the Hardy's growth and confidence, as well as the Mavericks' future. 

Sure, the Mavs are continuing their efforts to find a new home for Hardaway – and JaVale McGee – in hopes of landing a veteran starting center at some point before the new season begins, but if they're unable to do so, Kidd will have a task on his hands to figure out Dallas' guard rotation.

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