Jg41 wrote: Then you sign Hardy to a team friendly extension (3 for 25ish) and give him a legit shot (20-24 min a night) pre-trade deadline to prove he can be our third guard off the bench. If he leaves something to be desired, that’s when you go make a move for a N. Powell / C. Sexton caliber player. Doing so this off-season shortchanges Hardy and neuters his potential as an asset (whether that be on the court or in a trade).
I know Exum’s health + Kyrie and Luka’s RS workload / injury history compels us to think that a more competent tertiary playmaker should be at the top of Nico’s summer wishlist, but anyone who’s watched Hardy play knows he’s a walking bucket. With more polish (he’s got Kidd, Luka and Kyrie to study under— every resource a young guard could ask for) and a consistent role in the rotation, he could absolutely be that guy provided he puts the work in and improves his decision-making.
‘24-‘25 Depth Chart:
PG: L. Doncic (36) / D. Exum (8)
SG: K. Irving (36) / J. Hardy (20) / A. Lawson
SF: H. Jones (30) / D. Jones Jr. (20) / O. Prosper
PF: P. Washington Jr. (30) / M. Kleber (16) / M. Morris
C: D. Lively (24) / D. Gafford (20) / D. Powell
2-ways:
B. Williams
A. Fudge
2024 2nd Rd Pick (Via Boston)
Hypothetical midseason trade if Hardy shows he’s not ready: DJJ + Hardy ===> Utah for Sexton. Elevate O-Max to your 9th man. Fade Exum’s minutes and slightly ramp up Maxi, Herb, and PJ’s minutes for the stretch run.
‘25 Playoff Rotation
PG: L. Doncic (40) / D. Exum
SG: K. Irving (40) / C. Sexton (24) / A. Lawson
SF: H. Jones (36) / O. Prosper
PF: P. Washington Jr. (36) / M. Kleber (20) / M. Morris
C: D. Lively (24) / D. Gafford (20) / D. Powell