It is weird looking at the NBA these days and seeing players who were practically teenagers when they were drafted.
Tim Hardaway Jr. Oddly enough,
is one of those guys. Oddly enough,
You sort of remember him coming out of Michigan and seeing the family name attached to him, but honestly, he carved out his own lane.
Most casual fans just see him as the guy who takes the corner three or the guy people love to roast for being the ‘stepfather’ to the legend Tim Hardaway Sr.
But if you dig a little deeper, you see a really interesting career trajectory.
He’s gone from a first-round bust in New York to a championship-caliber role player in Dallas.
And let’s be real, that jump shot is legitimate.
The Hardaway Legacy: Family Ties and Early Days
Let’s get the elephant in the room out of the way first.
Everyone asks about his dad, Tim Hardaway Sr.
There is that famous ‘stepfather’ joke that circulates the internet every time they play against each other or are mentioned in the same breath.
But Tim Jr.
has spent his whole life trying to establish his own identity, which is honestly pretty tough when your father was an NBA Hall of Famer.
From what I’ve seen in interviews, he’s never been bitter about it.
He actually speaks very highly of his father’s work ethic. But there’s a catch.
Growing up, he didn’t have it easy; his parents split up when he was young, and his mom raised him.
It forced him to grow up fast, which probably explains why he was so ready for the NBA at age 19.
NBA Career: Teams, Teams, and More Teams
His career hasn’t been a straight line to the top, but that’s usually how it works for most guys.
He started with the New York Knicks.
They traded him away quickly.
Then the Golden State Warriors picked him up.
People expected him to be a rotation piece there, and he was, but not a superstar.
Then came the Miami Heat era.
That was interesting because he was back in Florida, but this time he was a veteran.
He was actually pretty good there.
But then he found his home in New York again? That felt like destiny, even if he got traded again.
Now, in Dallas, he feels like he’s found a permanent spot.
Playing alongside Luka and Kyrie has actually elevated his game.
He doesn’t have to create everything anymore; he just has to knock down the open shots.
Analyzing His Game: Shooting Form and Stats
Okay, let’s talk basketball.
Why do teams want him? Because he shoots.
His shooting form is textbook.
High release point, extended range, and he’s got good mechanics.
You don’t see a lot of wobble in his shot.
In real situations, a defender with good feet can bother him, but for the most part, he is a floor spacer.
If you look at his career stats, the three-point percentage is his calling card.
He isn’t the best ball handler, and his defense is average—nothing spectacular, but he plays with energy.
The best part is his consistency.
You can set your watch by him making an open corner three.
Key Career Milestones
- 2013 First Round Pick: Drafted 24th overall by the New York Knicks.
- 2022 Championship: Won an NBA title with the Dallas Mavericks.
- High Scoring Nights: Has multiple 30+ point games in his career, showcasing his potential as a primary scorer when needed.
Financials: Salary and Contract Value
When you look at Tim Hardaway Jr.’s contract, it tells a story about the market for two-way wings.
He’s made some serious money over the years.
There was that big deal with the Knicks where he signed an extension.
It felt like a lot at the time, but looking back, it was a fair market value for a guy who could score 20 points a night.
Now, with the Mavs, he’s taking a bit less to help the team get better players around Luka Doncic. Here’s the interesting part.
It shows he’s not just about the cash; he wants to win.
Most people overlook this business side of the game, but smart players know when to take a pay cut for a chip.
What’s Next for the Sharpshooter?
So, where does he go from here? He’s 32 years old now, which is still pretty young in NBA terms, but the body is starting to show wear.
The biggest question for fans is longevity.
Can he sustain this shooting while he ages? Probably.
He’s not a guard who has to blow by people anymore.
He’s a shooter who can space the floor.
As long as he can still get his shot off, he’ll have a roster spot somewhere.
It would be cool to see him finish his career in Dallas, where he seems to be very happy. Now think about that for a second.
He’s definitely not the most famous Hardaway, but he’s definitely one of the most reliable ones.
Image source: pexels.com
Oddly enough,
Image source credit: pexels.com