Jaden Hardy Can Find a Home With the Washington Wizards

Mar 27, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jaden Hardy (8) makes a three point basket against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

Jaden Hardy’s arrival with the Washington Wizards has quietly become one of the more intriguing developments of the team’s 2026 season, offering flashes of offensive upside amid a rebuilding year.

Hardy was included in the blockbuster trade that brought Anthony Davis to Washington. A former second-round pick, Hardy spent his first three seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, where his talent showed in spurts but consistent minutes were hard to come by. Now with Washington, the 6-foot-1 guard is finding his rhythm and confidence.

Through his first 23 games with his new team, Hardy is averaging 12.6 points per game while shooting an impressive 42 percent from three-point range on six attempts per game. His role is primarily to come off the bench, where he has embraced the responsibility of being a microwave scorer. Hardy’s production has proven he was more than just a secondary piece in a major deal. Hardy has scored in double figures in 18 of those 22 games, including a 25-point performance against the Knicks and 21 points against the Jazz.

What Coach Keefe Thinks of Hardy

One thing head coach Brian Keefe recognized early was Hardy’s natural scoring ability.

“He can score, you can see that,” Keefe said. “Has an ability to create his own shot, good catch-and-shoot three-point shooter, knows how to get in the paint and create. He’s got a knack for that. We didn’t teach him that.”

That ability to generate offense stands out on a Wizards roster still searching for identity. In late-clock situations or when the offense breaks down, Hardy has shown a willingness to take — and make difficult shots. That type of shot-making is essential for a young team without a clear go-to option.

Finding his Rhythm

What’s been equally encouraging is Hardy’s efficiency. Shooting over 40 percent from deep on solid volume suggests development, not just a temporary hot streak. In Dallas, Hardy often lacked consistent rhythm. In Washington, his opportunities are more structured, and he’s capitalizing. Even coming off the bench, his production has been terrific.

There are also signs of growth beyond scoring. The former McDonald’s All-American has shown improved poise, picking his spots more effectively instead of forcing shots. When defenses collapse, he’s beginning to make smarter reads — whether that’s finding an open shooter or attacking with control. While he’s not yet a primary playmaker, the progression is noticeable.

For the Wizards, the former second-round pick represents more than just short-term scoring. At 23 years old, he aligns with the team’s rebuilding timeline. His ability to create offense gives Washington a potential building block in the backcourt, especially if he continues to round out his game.

The key moving forward will be consistency. Can Hardy sustain this efficiency over a larger sample size? Can he expand his impact into playmaking and defense? If those areas continue to develop, the Wizards may have uncovered a long-term piece without spending a premium asset.

In a season focused on growth and evaluation, Hardy is making a compelling case for himself. What once looked like a minor addition in a blockbuster trade is quickly becoming one of the most promising storylines in Washington’s rebuild — and perhaps the beginning of a player finally finding a place to call home.

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