MAVS NEWS:

[Smitty]

One thing that bears watching re the Mavs roster imo is that Hardy is way out of the rotation. Even with them being so short-handed, he has played (in the last 5 games) 0, 0, 0, 9, and 5 minutes. Last night Williams, who is smaller than Hardy, played 15. (SD's minutes also dropped to 18 last night.)

Hardy is an all-offense player, get as many shots as possible with not much regard for anything else. With Luka gone, you'd think there is a huge need for more offense. Yet he sits.

My guess is that Kidd, now that Luka is gone, is hanging his hat on defense, and trying to instill a mentality that you MUST defend or else your minutes get cut (or erased).

Any other theories?

I think they're in need of a true point guard. Exum is the only one on the roster. Both Kyrie and Spencer are combo guards. Hardy is small and can't defend, dribble, or pass. Can't initiate offense and simply turns the ball over too much. He's an old school shooting guard, which the Mavs have several that are better for that role. Williams is closer to a true point guard and can defend. Without Exum last night, that's where Kidd was forced to go.