Hardy was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and attended Indiana University, where he played college basketball. He was a standout player for the Hoosiers, and his talent on the court caught the attention of NBA scouts. In 1978, he was drafted by the New Orleans Jazz in the second round of the NBA draft.
Hardy played for the Jazz for two seasons, from 1978 to 1980. During his time with the team, he averaged 8.3 points per game and 3.6 rebounds per game. He was known for his ability to score from the outside, and he was a reliable shooter from beyond the arc.
In 1980, Hardy was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he played for one season. He was a key player for the Lakers, and he helped the team reach the NBA Finals that year. Although the Lakers ultimately lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the Finals, Hardy's performance throughout the season was impressive. He averaged 10.5 points per game and 3.3 rebounds per game, and he was a valuable asset to the team.
After his stint with the Lakers, Hardy was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers, where he played for two seasons. He was a solid player for the 76ers, and he helped the team reach the playoffs both years he was with the team. In his final season with the 76ers, Hardy averaged 7.4 points per game and 2.8 rebounds per game.
Overall, James Hardy had a successful career in the NBA. He was a talented player who was known for his scoring ability and his outside shooting. Although he never won a championship, he was a valuable asset to the teams he played for, and he helped them achieve success on the court. Today, he is remembered as one of the great players of his era, and his contributions to the sport of basketball will not be forgotten.
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