New York Knicks: Hardaway Jr. Has Got to Go

This summer could arguably be the most important offseason in New York Knicks history. Phil Jackson and Steven Mills will be racking their brains, attempting to fix this broken franchise. Although I have zero experience in rebuilding professional basketball teams, I feel that it is my duty as a Knick fan to provide Phil and Steven with a little guidance.

Tim Hardaway Jr. cannot be in a Knicks uniform next season!

After a promising display his rookie season, Hardaway Jr. had an opportunity this season to prove his worth on a team in desperate need of NBA-caliber talent. Unfortunately, he did not take advantage of his chance and has been the biggest disappointment on a Knicks squad that is full of them.

Up to this point, Tim Hardaway Jr. is averaging 11 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists per game. Although his game has shown slight improvement in regards to statistics, Hardaway Jr. has nowhere near lived up to expectations. The Knicks had absolutely nobody on their roster this season who can put up big numbers. Tim should be dropping 25-plus points a game based on the solely on the fact that the rest of his teammates aren’t scorers.

Mar 3, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (5) reacts against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Madison Square Garden. The Kings defeated the Knicks 124-86. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Not only are Hardaway Jr.’s numbers unimpressive, his lack of energy and will to win was just plain pathetic. When you look at the people who stand out on the Knicks roster this season, all of them are fighters. Lou Amundson’s basketball skills are far from something worth bragging about; but every time he is on the court he is hustling and doing what he can to win the game. Alexey Shved went from being a nobody to the Knicks best player all because he was looking to cash in on his opportunity to prove he belongs in the NBA. Even Andrea Bargnani, who everybody thought was playing his last NBA season, did what he could to keep this team afloat. Tim Hardaway Jr. on the other hand, gave up on the season the moment that Phil started making trades.

It just blows my mind that someone with his potential could not capitalize on the opportunity given to him. Many people will argue that he is going through a sophomore slump; but I truly don’t care. In my mind he had his chance to show he belongs in Phil Jackson’s plans and he blew it.

Mar 15, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (5) is helped off the court following an injury against the Phoenix Suns during the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

As far as trade value, I am not quite sure what the Knicks could obtain in exchange for Hardaway Jr. Maybe some other blind team still sees some potential in the youngster and can provide the Knicks with a valuable bench player in return. However, it is more realistic that New York could get a 2nd rounder in the draft for him and I am more than okay with that. As long as he is only playing away games at the garden next season I will be a happy camper.

Next: Building the Perfect Bench

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