Mavs Training Camp: Will Jaden Hardy Take a Sophomore Leap?

After showcasing his scoring skillset during his rookie season, Jaden Hardy is poised to take the next step in his sophomore campaign for the Dallas Mavericks.

Heading into the 2023-24 season, not only do the Dallas Mavericks have something to prove after missing the playoffs last season, but sophomore guard Jaden Hardy is looking to supplant himself as a vital part of Jason Kidd's rotation. 

During his rookie campaign, Hardy's playing time fluctuated throughout the season, as he became accustomed to the NBA game and gained the trust of Kidd and company. In 48 games, Hardy averaged 8.8 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range on over three attempts per game in 15 minutes per game.

In the final 16 games of the season, Hardy's scoring averaged jumped to 13.4 points per game, which included seven games of eclipsing 20 points.

Hardy spoke with DallasBasketball.com in April, prior to the end of the season, regarding his growth and continuing to develop his game and confidence.

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

Dallas Mavericks’ Jaden Hardy drives in for a layup against the San Antonio Spurs / Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

"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"

What Hardy showed in the second half of his rookie year was a confident knack for scoring at all three levels with his craftiness and athleticism. With his ability to score off the bounce and get to the hoop while also starting to consistently hit from outside, Hardy can continue to grow into an offensive force off the bench for the Mavs.

Heading into year two, Hardy's role should increase off the bench for the Mavericks, but with Tim Hardaway Jr. still remaining in Dallas, along with the reunion with Seth Curry, Kidd will have his hands tied figuring out the backcourt rotation in 2023-24.

Give Hardy another full season of learning from the likes of Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic, along with him adding some consistency on the defensive end of the floor, and this kid might be one of the league’s most impressive sophomores in year two. 

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