2022 NBA Draft: #37 Jaden Hardy (6' 3", 6' 9" WS) to DAL | two 2nds to SAC

[Kammrath]

https://theboxandone.substack.com/p/jade...t-scouting

We’ve written extensively about Hardy before, describing why his game and its lack of athleticism require patience to sift through. He’s a really good scorer who hasn’t learned how to create space against top-tier athletes and needs to gain the tricks of the trade in order to be successful.

Split the season into thirds and the progression Hardy has undertaken is quite notable. Hardy’s start was pretty dismal, both from an efficiency standpoint and in terms of the eye test. He was taking bad shots, missing them most, was pretty poor on defense and couldn’t convert on the interior. Credit to Hardy and the team’s coaching staff, they have done a fantastic job adding micro-skills and getting Hardy to alter his game mid-season.

Watch Hardy late in the year and he looks more explosive (although still not an above-average athlete or finisher). He’s playing with more pace, looks tighter with his handle, is getting better as a passer and has cut out some of the wasteful jumpers. He’s more confident with the ball in his hands, and it shows in his numbers.

Final 8: 22.5 PTS, 4.9 REB, 4.2 AST, 2.8 TO, 1.5 STL. 42% FG, 37.7% 3FG

Middle 9: 18.9 PTS, 3.2 REB, 2.7 AST, 4.1 TO, 0.9 STL. 37.8% FG, 27.7% 3FG

First 7: 17.9 PTS, 5.3 REB, 3.4 AST, 2.9 TO, 1.4 STL. 33.1% FG, 28.3% 3FG

There is a horrible habit among casual fans and some scouts to let the initial impression that a prospect makes stick far longer than it should. Hardy has gotten so much better throughout the year — and he still has a lot to continue to improve — and it goes largely unnoticed.