The Mavericks have high hopes for Jaden Hardy’s continued development, especially with key backcourt piece Dante Exum sidelined after undergoing wrist surgery. Hardy’s impressive preseason performances, including his 21-point game against the Memphis Grizzlies, provide a basis for his readiness to contribute.
As the Mavericks prepare for the regular season, Hardy’s ability to grow as a playmaker and defender will be crucial in securing his spot in a backcourt rotation alongside Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. With veterans like Exum and Spencer Dinwiddie competing for playing time, Hardy will have to earn everything he gets throughout the 2024-25 campaign.
Last season, Hardy averaged 7.3 points and 1.5 assists in 13.5 minutes per game. He had inconsistent involvement in the Mavericks’ playoff rotation but had moments of being a sparkplug, particularly against the Minnesota Timberwolves midway through the Western Conference Finals.
The Mavericks have encouraged Hardy to stay patient and focus on improving in important areas of his game to emerge as a full-time rotation player. “Hardy, he’s been patiently waiting. He’s going to get his opportunity,” head coach Jason Kidd told reporters on media day.
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Jaden Hardy Interview (Exclusive)
Q: Training camp was in Las Vegas, where you spent some time before. How cool was it to go through that?
Jaden Hardy: “It was cool. I went to high school there, so being back, seeing friends and some family, was great. Plus, we had a good training camp, competing and getting ready for the season so we can make a championship run.”
Q: Do you think Las Vegas would be a good place for an NBA team?
Jaden Hardy: “Oh, yeah. I think it’s going to happen soon. Great city, for sure.”
Q: With a few preseason games left, Kyrie and Klay will play today. You’ve talked about fitting in with them. How do you feel you’ve been able to do that during camp and practices?
Jaden Hardy: “Just working on my game and building a relationship with them. When I’m out there, I’m confident. I know they trust me to make plays, so I just focus on making the right play every time.”
Q: I remember seeing you spent some time with Kyrie earlier in the offseason. How helpful was that for your development?
Jaden Hardy: “It was very helpful. He called me and told me to come through, so I did. We hooped, hung out, and chopped it up. We got in the gym and worked, and it was a lot of fun and super beneficial.”
Q: How has having someone like Kyrie, with his experience and knowledge, helped you since he’s been in Dallas?
Jaden Hardy: “It’s been perfect for me. He’s one of the greatest guards to ever play, a future Hall of Famer. He’s been willing to share everything with me—his process, what he’s gone through, and it’s been nothing but love.”
Q: Are there any particular reads you feel you’ve developed the most since entering the NBA?
Jaden Hardy: “Really, it’s my pick-and-roll reads. Coming off the screen, looking at the low man, the help-side defense, just trying to find the open man and set my teammates up. I’ve been slowing down more, reading the defense when I’m in the paint, for sure.”
Q: Klay has been with the team for a short time. Have you picked up anything from him?
Jaden Hardy: “A few times after practice, I’ve tried to get some shots up with him. He’s one of the best shooters ever, so I watch his mechanics, footwork, and how he comes off screens into his shots.”
Q: With Kyrie and Klay, both are great screeners and command a lot of attention. How do you think that opens things up for everyone else, including yourself?
Jaden Hardy: “It opens up a lot. With the gravity they create, you have to respect both of them. Klay’s a lights-out shooter, and Kyrie can get anywhere on the court. Having them out there just makes it easier for me. And with LD [Luka Doncic] as well, it just brings so much you have to worry about. When I’m out there with those guys, I try to make plays, get assists, and find looks.”
Q: This season is a bit different because you have Dereck and Daniel at the five from the start. How has your chemistry developed with the bigs?
Jaden Hardy: “My chemistry with all the bigs is really good. It comes down to communication, hanging out with them, and working on the court. That chemistry goes a long way.”
Q: Defensively, you’ve been improving. What are you currently focusing on as you develop on that end?
Jaden Hardy: “Right now, I’m focused on defending the three better, picking up full court, and challenging guys while they bring the ball up. I’m also working on being in the right spots on defense, communicating, and bringing energy.”
Q: Lastly, Dereck Lively II has received a lot of praise in training camp. What stands out about him?
Jaden Hardy: “His energy. He’s consistent with it every day. He’s ready to go and get to work, and that energy trickles down. The team feeds off it.”
