2022 NBA Draft Grades for all 15 teams in the Western Conference

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 19: Jaden Hardy #1 of the G League Ignite advances the ball against of the Grand Rapids Gold during the NBA G League Winter Showcase at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center on December 19, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Buglewicz/Getty Images) /

2022 NBA Draft Grades for the Western Conference: Dallas Mavericks

Picks: Jaden Hardy, Wing, G League Ignite (37)

While the Dallas Mavericks’ trade for Christian Wood was announced a week prior to the draft, it couldn’t be finalized until after the draft and, in fact, opened up further by adding a third team on draft night. The Mavericks gave up non-rotation salary and the 26th pick to add Christian Wood, which may not raise their ceiling but was a reasonable price for a good player.

Then, they traded into the second round at pick No. 37, sending second-rounders in 2024 and 2028 to the Sacramento Kings to draft Jaden Hardy of the G League Ignite. Once a top prospect, Hardy chucked his way through the first half of the G League season and scared off teams that thought he could be an on-ball creator at a high level.

The Mavericks weren’t scared, but rather traded in to grab him. Adding shot creators around Luka Doncic makes sense, and the value there for Hardy was tremendous, but if Hardy is playing off-ball one wonders if he can be optimized. It was something of a weird fit, even if it’s excellent value.

Grade: B-

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