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A Tribute to Knicks’ Guard Tim Hardaway Jr.

By Andrew Garcia

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We celebrate and pay tribute to Knicks’ standout guard Tim Hardaway Jr. on his special day.

Today marks the 23rd birthday for Tim Hardaway Jr., who can celebrate with teammates off the court as the Knicks’ are in between games. Although this season is disappointing to say the least, THJ’s been one of the lonely bright spots on a lackluster performance from the knickerbockers in their 14′-15′ campaign. Through his inspiring work ethic, organization engagement, and team support, Tim Hardaway Jr. remains a Class-A type player who continues to impress.

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Since coming into the league in 2013 as the Knicks’ 24th pick, the University of Michigan product played in 143 games thus far. After an impressive rookie season THJ is persistent to improve his game, considering the severe roster changes and injuries that have plagued the Knicks’ through just 65 exhibitions.

Hardaway Jr.’s numbers have slightly dropped since his rookie campaign but his PPG increased every-so-slightly. Through all the devastation the Knicks’ organization experienced this year Hardaway’s been entrusted with the starting SG role, suiting up to take the court for opening tip-off 26 times compared to just one game last season, especially after the departure of guards Iman Shumpert and J.R. Smith.

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    • Taking into account all of the adversity faced in a rough beginning to Knicks’ President Phil Jackson’s new-look for the organization, THJ remains positive and looks for every opportunity to show the fans he is the guard of the future. Tim Hardaway Jr.’s work ethic is undeniable and the New York Knicks were lucky to have snagged this Ann-Arbor Wolverine in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft.

    Besides Hardaway Jr.’s inspiring work ethic, we celebrate his birthday by acknowledging the effort he puts into representing the Knicks organization. New York is after-all the mecca of basketball and players who have the privilege to play their home games at Madison Square Garden immediately become represented by 18,200 loyal fans each and every night. The players that return the favor back to these Knicks’ admirers are the ones who last and continue to play under The Garden’s spotlight 41 games of the year throughout their career. Tim Hardaway Jr. fits this mold perfectly.

    THJ frequently participates in meet-and-greets with fans to giveaway merchandise and sign autographs. He also attends Knicks’ camps to assist the city youth with both their basketball and personal development skills to understand the true meaning of a student athlete. Hardaway Jr. engages with many of these types of events sponsored by the Knicks’ organization. He constantly keeps in touch with his Wolverine contacts and remains local by being a part of community-sponsored events in his hometown. Keeping these commitments close to his heart, Tim Hardaway Jr. has proven to be a rare athlete who is built to last in the make-or-break media-capital of the world.

    A difficult season can test any team’s players’ loyalty and the Knicks’ 14′-15′ campaign proves to do so for all its performers. After numerous trades, cuts, buyouts, and injuries Tim Hardaway Jr. is one player who’s been there for his team and teammates on- and off-court. Any player will confess the struggle in constructing a working chemistry with each other and once moves these are made building a rapport with new teammates can be a daunting task.

    Mar 10, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; New York Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (5) reacts from the bench area during the first quarter against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

    Hardaway Jr. demonstrates his knack for fabricating on- and off-court relationships by going above and beyond to work with teammates and coaches to ensure an effective bond. Whether THJ is on the court or out with injury he can be seen supporting his fellow Knicks and doing everything in his power to encourage their performance. Tim Hardaway Jr.’s presence is immediately felt and the fact that he is a Knick should instill hope in every fan’s heart as he provides the light to a Knicks’ future that currently looks dim.

    Today we take a minute and pay tribute to the Knicks’ two-guard and up-and-coming star THJ.

    Tim Hardaway Jr. is more than a Shooting Guard for the New York Knicks, he’s an inspiring athlete, role model for the youth of NYC, and a loyal, committed teammate for the sport’s most deep-rooted and historic organization.

    We wish THJ a happy 23rd birthday and hope to celebrate many more with him as he continues to represent the mecca and MSG with New York stitched across his chest.

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