10-22-2024, 07:21 PM
I totally agree with the notion that neither Hardy's off-ball shooting or ability to impact the game on the defensive end are good enough, currently, and that at least one of those areas must improve for him to be a viable rotation player on a good team.
I think where I differ from some on him, and always have, is that his on-ball game, particularly in the midrange, is about 2-3 years more advanced in terms of being polished and full of counters than most players his age (according to my opinion, at least). That, by itself, isn't a reason to assume he's going to "make it," but I totally get why NBA players talked about him as a prospect with as much respect as they did, initially, and I feel it earns him the best shot possible at finding a niche (which, again, isn't a guaranteed success story). He's the third best 1-on-1 player on the team, and that's just because his team has Luka and Kyrie. On many teams he'd be 2nd. Yes, he absolutely needs to find another way to contribute to find a toehold on a role, but that initial elite skill is often what affords young players enough chances to learn, grow and stick.
I'm still hopeful about Hardy's future, and was really worried they were about to give up on him. This deal seems (to me) like both sides wanted to extend the orientation period a bit without it hurting too much, and I think that's wise. More wise than what I expected from a Klutch client, frankly.
I think where I differ from some on him, and always have, is that his on-ball game, particularly in the midrange, is about 2-3 years more advanced in terms of being polished and full of counters than most players his age (according to my opinion, at least). That, by itself, isn't a reason to assume he's going to "make it," but I totally get why NBA players talked about him as a prospect with as much respect as they did, initially, and I feel it earns him the best shot possible at finding a niche (which, again, isn't a guaranteed success story). He's the third best 1-on-1 player on the team, and that's just because his team has Luka and Kyrie. On many teams he'd be 2nd. Yes, he absolutely needs to find another way to contribute to find a toehold on a role, but that initial elite skill is often what affords young players enough chances to learn, grow and stick.
I'm still hopeful about Hardy's future, and was really worried they were about to give up on him. This deal seems (to me) like both sides wanted to extend the orientation period a bit without it hurting too much, and I think that's wise. More wise than what I expected from a Klutch client, frankly.
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