Jaden Hardy had eight points, four assists and a blocked shot in 18 minutes on Wednesday at Philadelphia.
The Mavericks lost, 116-108.
What needs to be asked – OK, there are a lot of things that need to be asked – but one of them is whether Hardy should be receiving more minutes? Also, is playing as well as any rookie for a month or so enough to get recognized for all-rookie recognition?
His play since the All-Star break has been as sharp as pretty much any of the more acclaimed first-year players in the NBA.
Consider that, over the last 11 games, Hardy has averaged 15.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists and shot 50 percent (33-of-66) from three-point range. For the season, his scoring is up to 8.8 per game, one of two second-round draftees (Andrew Nembhard of Indiana, 9.1) to be averaging at least eight points for the season.
Less than half of the 30 first rounders (14) are averaging over eight points. Only one player from the 2022 draft class is hitting more than the 41.7 percent of three-pointers Hardy is making for the year (the Lakers’ Max Christie, 41.9 percent).
So it’s fair to ask whether Hardy could be in line for a second-team, all-rookie nod.
Based on his last month, it’s a no-brainer. But the lack of production earlier in the season, plus the Mavericks’ lukewarm 37-40 record, work against the 6-4 guard, who was chosen 37th overall in the 2022 draft.
What happens in the final five games could have an impact. The Mavericks are looking for a spark beyond Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving. Hardy and Josh Green are two energy guys who could supply some needed zip.
But at the least, Hardy has put himself on the radar for the Mavericks’ future. He’s scored 20 or more points in six of the last 11 games and while consistency is a problem – as it is for most rookies – his are worthy of applause.
He’s been a bright spot during an otherwise dim time for the Mavericks.
And so, here’s our takeaways from Wednesday’s loss to the Sixers.
FOURTH-QUARTER BLUES: The Mavericks had six turnovers and zero trips to the free-throw line in the fourth quarter. That’s a bad combination and was a major reason why they were outscored 27-17 in the period. There’s no shame in losing to the Sixers. They have legitimate championship aspirations. But, as Irving said: “I feel like we had a great chance to win this game and you notice that our poise down the stretch wasn’t at a high level that we needed to get this win and they took full advantage of it. These are just growing pains that we’re going through right now in the pressure cooker of the season, and you know it’s tough lessons that we got to learn and just grow from.”
THREE THE HARDAWAY: There aren’t many Mavericks who have been more consistent this season than Tim Hardaway Jr. He’s averaged 14.1 points and shot 37.9 percent from three-point range. Over the last three games, he’s hit 16.3 points and shot 43.5 percent from beyond the arc. The Mavericks at this point now need to ride whoever has the hot hand. It doesn’t matter who it is. The youngsters like Hardy and Green, Hardaway and Christian Wood. You have to assume everything is on the table for coach Jason Kidd.
Twitter: @ESefko
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