Jaden Hardy is eager to show the Mavericks’ coaches and fans what he accomplished over the offseason.
Hardy spent a ton of time in the gym working on his game, working on his body, and working on becoming a better defender and playmaker. The second-year guard is hoping all the extra attention to detail will pay off starting with the 2023-24 training camp, which opens on Wednesday.
“I’m going to come in and be in better shape than I was last year, and be stronger and faster,” Hardy told Mavs.com. “I’m going to be able to have my body ready so I can play more minutes.
“Going into (the offseason), I worked on doing the things that the staff wanted me to work on, which was be better defensively for the team so we can get those wins.”
In 48 games last season as a rookie, Hardy averaged 8.8 points in only 14.8 minutes while shooting 43.8 percent from the field and a robust 40.4 percent from three-point range. The bulk of that success came during the second half of the season when Hardy was afforded more playing time.
“When I look back, I feel like it was a good first season for me,” Hardy said. “It was a lot of highs and lows, but I feel like overall it was a great first season for me.
“It was a great learning experience for sure for me, and it prepared me for my second year.”
Hardy scored 20 or more points in nine games last season, including seven times in the final 15 games he played in. During his seven 20-
point games down the stretch, Hardy averaged 23.4 points and converted 45.7 percent of his field goals and 44.1 percent of his three-pointers in 30.3 minutes.
Now 21 years old, Hardy had this penchant for electrifying the fans and getting buckets in a short period of time. It’s a narrative the 6-4, 198-pounder hopes to continue this season.
“I was just ready and was waiting on my turn,” Hardy said. “Whenever my number was called, I wanted to be ready.
“That just goes with the work that I put in, and those late hours in the gym when nobody was seeing or watching. It was those things that helped me get ready and stay ready.”
During summer league play in Las Vegas, one of the things Hardy worked on putting in his toolbox was improving his skills as a playmaker. The extra hard work is what he’s hoping will help him stay ready once the upcoming season starts.
“Going into the summer league my goal was to go in there and try to get my teammates involved, work more on my reads and be able to play off the catch more so when I’m out there with guys like Luka (Doncic) and Kyrie (Irving), I’m able to make qu
ick decisions and read the defense better,” Hardy said. “I’ve also been working on my defense and my awareness and being where I’m supposed to be.
“I felt like I was able to accomplish those things. We went back and watched film and were able to work on some things so that I’m able to come into the season prepared and ready to go.”
And that means totally forgetting about the 38-44 record the Mavs had last season.
“That’s in the past,” Hardy said. “It’s a new season, so come in and just be ready to buy in and have everybody on the same page and sticking together.
“Throughout the season it’s going to be highs and lows. So, if we just stick together through those tough times, I feel like we’re going to be all right.”
So, what’s the clear message Hardy has for Mavs’ fans?
“To the Mavs’ fans, I’m super excited,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being back out there with my teammates and playing in front of the fans.
“I can’t wait to get back in front of the best fans in the world and play in front of them and bring home a championship this year.”
X: @DwainPrice
Share and comment