Jaden Hardy Scores 1st NBA Points At Iconic Madison Square Garden

Dallas Mavericks rookie Jaden Hardy scores his first NBA point against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

The Dallas Mavericks added Jaden Hardy in the 2022 NBA Draft, which the team traded up for with the 37th overall pick. He didn't get much of a chance early in his rookie season, but found success with the Mavs' G League affiliate, the Texas Legends.

Hardy appeared in nine games for the Legends and averaged 29.0 points, 4.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists. He shot 54.8% from the floor, 48.2% from three-point range and 87.1% from the free throw line.

Rumors of potential opportunities for Hardy have been rife recently due to the flops that have seen some of the Mavs' top picks in previous drafts. In theory, Hardy has done everything a team needs in the G League, so that should translate to some sort of opportunity at the highest level?

"Hardy was great," Mavs coach Jason Kidd said before his team's loss to the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. "I think we'll see Hardy next week — we'll see how he can play. He's done everything we've asked of him in the G League."

The Mavs didn't play Hardy during the Pistons' road loss. The Detroit native, who had no shortage of family in the stands that game, got his chance later in the next game. Dallas scored 30 points midway through the fourth quarter in a 121-100 win over the New York Knicks, giving Hardy a chance to enter the game. He shot 2-5 from the floor and 1-3 from the perimeter and finished with five points.

Hardy quickly took advantage of the opportunity to go to the rim and score his first NBA points. After a ball screen, Jericho drew Simms with a pass and created a backdoor opportunity after a botched pull. Hardy then used his quick first step to get to the basket and scored with his left hand.

Hardy got some nice looks from behind the arc that didn't land, but still managed to land one. The Knicks chose to protect the paint early in transition, but they couldn't get rid of Hardy as quickly as he filled the wing. Despite Sims' competition, he catches on and fixes it.

After the Knicks' win, Mavs coach Jason Kidd told reporters that Doncic should be given credit for taking the ball out of bounds and giving it to Hardy in the locker room.

"Luca did a great job getting the ball to Hardy. His first points here in the garden as a youngster. It was a great move from Luke."

Because it's important for every player to score their first point in the NBA, Doncic thinks it's important to remember the flow of the game.

"When a rookie gets his first points, he always tries to remember to catch the ball so he has a reminder," Doncic said.

With the lack of experienced players on the Mavs depth chart, it remains to be seen how many opportunities Hardy will have available to him in his rookie campaign. However, progress must be monitored.

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