When a 22-year-old year hooper shined for the Mavs against the Grizzlies in the preseason game, people wondered who is he. That player is Jaden Hardy, the next big thing in the making. As reporter Jon Tritsch wrote, “Five years ago, I did a story on a hungry high school freshman in Las Vegas relentlessly pursuing his dream. Today I covered his NBA game in Charlotte”. Born on July 5, 2002, in Detroit, Hardy was once a top player in his 2021 class and now he is making in way in the NBA. Fast forward to the game against the Grizzlies, where Hardy scored 21 points with 3 rebounds and 9 assists. Could this be the beginning of something special for the Mavericks? Let’s dive in!

From Detroit to Nevada and Making it Big: Hardy’s journey from hungry high school freshman to a star

Hardy was born in Detroit but before his high school, his family moved to Henderson, Nevada. He attended Coronado High School, where he quickly became a star as he lit up the scoreboard, every time he entered the court. With an impressive average in his junior year, 0.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game, basketball became more than just a game for him. He then went on to receive several honors like the Nevada Gatorade Player of the Year and the Las Vegas Review-Journal Boys Athlete of the Year honors. 

Can you imagine being that young and having the entire basketball community watch your every move? Despite, the overwhelming pressure, Hardy lived up to it. As he entered his senior year, he was part of the rosters for prestigious events like the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic. The anticipation surrounding him was palpable, and he knew he was on the verge of something big.

The boy who rejected prestigious programs and escaped the traditional routes

When the time came for his college, he was already a star. Becoming one of the top players in the class of 2021, he becomes a consensus five-star recruit. He received offers from many top-ranked college programs, including Kentucky and UCLA. But he shook everyone with his bold decision, escaping from the traditional routes. Why would a player turn down such prestigious programs?

For Hardy, it was about embracing the challenge of professional basketball sooner rather than later. He believed playing against older, more experienced competition in the G League would better prepare him for the NBA. Imagine making that decision at 18, knowing you were going to face grown men who had been in the league for years. It was a risky move, but Hardy felt ready. When asked about his journey he said,” I’ve been a baller since birth”, ready to claim his place among the best. 

Living the big dream: The NBA 

In June 2021, he started his professional journey by signing with the NBA G League. There he averaged 17.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. Although his transition was never without challenges, he shot 35.1 percent from the field, for him every game was a learning opportunity. With all the lessons learned, it was the year 2022, when his dream came true.

He was drafted 37th overall by the Sacramento Kings and traded to the Dallas Mavericks on draft night. Joining the Mavericks for the Summer League, he made an instant impact. In his debut against the Chicago Bulls, he scored 28 points, showcasing the skills that had made him a household name in high school.

However, Hardy’s rookie season had its share of ups and downs, but his perseverance paid off. He notched a career-high 29 points in a win against the Utah Jazz, a surreal moment—29 points in the NBA, a dream realized. And when he started his first game against the Grizzlies on March 11, recording 22 points, it was a testament to his growth. And as a result, Mavs veteran Dwight Powell said, “He can score. That’s for sure, he’s doing a great job of throttling his aggression at times to help the team in whatever we need.”

What’s it like to step into that spotlight for the first time? For Hardy, it was all about the thrill of the moment and the love for the game.

What’s ahead for this rising star?

After a rollercoaster rookie season, Jaden Hardy is off to a strong start in 2024, leaving many to wonder: what’s next for him? With praise from Dwight Powell and his growing importance to the Mavericks’ future, his evolution is critical as the team works to build a competitive roster.

Fans are buzzing with excitement over his potential—could he be the next great guard in the league? As Hardy prepares for the next chapter, he’s determined to keep proving doubters wrong. The lights of Las Vegas highlighted his rise, but now it’s his time to shine on the NBA stage.

What will the next season bring for this young talent? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Jaden Hardy is just getting started.