For the Dallas Mavericks, everything that could go wrong did. Many of their key players ended the year early due to injuries, and although they managed to reach the play-in tournament, their hopes were cut short there. The season was over.
Now, many players and staff within the organization are using last season’s setbacks, including the February trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, leaving the roster depleted, as motivation to chase a dream campaign as the new season begins.
Jaden Hardy raises his voice for the team
With this new start, Jaden Hardy has decided this is the year to reclaim championship status, insisting the Mavericks have everything required to achieve it. From opening night, he says, they will give everything to start the season with energy and conviction.
Hardy has become more vocal, both for his teammates and for himself. Entering his fourth year with the organization, he wants to leave an enduring mark, one that ensures no other team can stand above them.
He also aims to become a reliable option for Jason Kidd, earning more minutes and the opportunity to develop his talent now that his confidence on the court is at an all-time high. Hardy wants to prove he can be far more than just a spark off the bench, showing he has the potential to help Dallas reach another level.
I feel like I have a lot to offer as a guy who can help get others in the spots they need to be and make them better players.
That’s an area I’ve been working on this summer as a passer and facilitator.
The main goal is to win a championship this year, which means when I am in the game, I need to find ways to impact the game on offense and defense.
Some key players in Dallas will miss the start of the season
Kyrie Irving, one of the Mavericks’ biggest stars, will miss at least half the season while recovering from the ACL injury he suffered last year. However, Hardy will rely heavily on Anthony Davis to help lead the way in his absence.
Meanwhile, 18-year-old rookie Cooper Flagg enters the league with enormous expectations, comparable to those surrounding LeBron James at the start of his career. The pressure is immense, but Flagg seems capable of processing it and turning it into motivation.
Hardy and Flagg represent two young pillars in whom Dallas has placed great hopes. Together with the veterans, they aim to build the strongest possible team and finally capture the long-awaited championship.
I am always locked into making sure we are succeeding as a team before anything else. With the work I put in the gym behind the scenes, I am always ready for the moment anytime I step on the court.”…”Having that consistent routine and always staying true to yourself keeps you in the right mindset to be ready when your moment comes.
Hardy is now ready for that moment as the Mavericks open their 2025 season on Wednesday, October 22, against the San Antonio Spurs.
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