David Richard-Imagn Images

Newest Wizards Guard Has Stellar Debut Despite Loss

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Wyatt Hartman | Last updated Feb 12, 2026 4:58 PM ET

The Washington Wizards acquired a new guard right before the NBA trade market closed for the season. Not four-time NBA All-Star Trae Young, but former Dallas Maverick Jaden Hardy. The three-year pro outlasted both Dante Exum and D’Angelo Russell in D.C, and now looks to cement his place in Washington for the long haul. Hardy proved he could be a serviceable player for the Wizards in his debut against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Newest Wizards Guard Has Stellar Debut Despite Loss

Washington acquired Hardy in the last blockbuster of the season, which also brought in ten-time NBA All-Star Anthony Davis. The 37th overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft was a solid piece in Dallas in a rather limited role, but now in D.C, he’ll look to expand his role with minutes available as the Wizards head into their next era.

Hardy’s Career

With 14.3 minutes per game in his career, Hardy excelled in his role off the bench with the Mavericks. However, with the limited playing time, he was not really able to prove much. Now in the DMV, Hardy will join a roster that’s actively giving out opportunities to be a part of the long term future, with immediate contention in sight. Throughout his 213 career games, Hardy has averaged 7.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 42.2% from the field and 38.1% from three.

While he’s never been a leading option, top defender, or best player, Hardy is a consistent bench piece who deserves an opportunity to land a role on the rising Wizards. He got his first shot against Cleveland and certainly did not disappoint.

Hardy’s Debut

Feb 11, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jaden Hardy (8) defends Cleveland Cavaliers guard Keon Ellis (14) in the fourth quarter at Rocket Arena. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images

With the way Washington has been playing bench pieces recently, it was fair to assume Hardy would get at least a little bit of action in his first game. The Wizards are actively trying to lose, and they’ve been in the habit of playing reserves much more than starters. While Hardy didn’t get the large minute diet that some did against the Cavaliers, he sure put on a show in what time he did receive.

In just 15 minutes of action, Hardy finished with 11 points, one assist, and two rebounds. Hardy outplayed the majority of the team, who all experienced an extreme off-night without sophomore center Alex Sarr on the court.

Hardy provided a real lift in the scoring department of the bench, tallying almost a point per minute on just seven shot attempts for the game. He would hit three of those shots, all coming from behind the arc, where he shot 60% on the night.

The Last Word

With this performance, Hardy has certainly entered the long list of possibilities for Washington’s last few rotational spots going into next year. He can contribute, and if he can replicate this performance consistently, the Wizards have a very reliable scoring coming off the bench next season. Can he outperform some of the core members? Who knows. One thing is for sure: Hardy will continue to press the issue just like he did in Dallas.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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