Jaden Hardy was considered by most to be a first-round pick last week but ultimately fell to the Dallas Mavericks at No. 37. Despite the sequence of events, Hardy is using it as motivation heading into the NBA.
Hardy averaged 19.5 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 37.6% shooting from the field in 24 games last season with the NBA G League Ignite. He struggled some to begin the season but came on late, scoring in double figures in each of his last eight games.
His slip down draft boards last week was rather surprising.
Hardy was among the 24 prospects invited to attend the draft from the green room. Teams each year submit a list of players they believe will be selected early, meaning he was thought to be a first-round pick. He instead fell to Dallas, and will likely always remember that.
“It is always going to be with me because I was the last one (in the green room) but it gives me more motivation to work hard,” Hardy said on Tuesday. “I’m super excited to be a Maverick so I’m glad they got me and I can’t wait to work.”
Hardy expressed his excitement to land with the Mavericks and work with the likes of head coach Jason Kidd and All-Star Luka Doncic. He has watched Doncic play plenty of times, along with some other players like Bradley Beal, James Harden and Damian Lillard among others.
The Mavericks are built to compete now after advancing to the Western Conference finals last season. The addition of Hardy projects to give them another scoring option off the bench, something he is comfortable bringing.
I feel like with my game, I bring a lot of stuff. I feel like I bring three-level scoring, my ability to play-make and create for others. I know here it is going to start on the defensive end, that’s how I’m going to gain the coaches’ trust and be a better defender and really learn from the vets and the players already on the team.
Hardy will certainly have to earn his playing time next season on such a veteran-heavy team but the organization likes what he can bring and the soon-to-be 20-year-old is eager to get to work.
The Mavericks begin their summer league schedule on July 8.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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