New York Knicks: 5 players for Tim Hardaway Jr. to study

WASHINGTON, DC -  APRIL 16: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks stands on the court during the Eastern Conference Quaterfinals game against the Washington Wizards during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC -  APRIL 16: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks stands on the court during the Eastern Conference Quaterfinals game against the Washington Wizards during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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WASHINGTON, DC –  APRIL 16: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks stands on the court during the Eastern Conference Quaterfinals game against the Washington Wizards during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC –  APRIL 16: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks stands on the court during the Eastern Conference Quaterfinals game against the Washington Wizards during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 16, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The New York Knicks are trusting Tim Hardaway Jr. to take the next step in his development. Which players should he be studying to help expand his game?


The New York Knicks made one of the most shocking decisions of the 2017 offseason when president Steve Mills signed Tim Hardaway Jr. to a four-year deal worth $71 million. Most were supportive of the actual signing, but the general feeling was a sense of concern over the price tag.

In order for Hardaway Jr. to silence his critics and justify the investment, he’ll need to build upon the career-year he experienced in 2016-17.

As Hardaway Jr. searches for ways to match his value on the court to his hit against the salary cap, history should be his friend. He’s likely familiar with some of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history, as quite a few played during his father’s era.

Not every player whom Hardaway Jr. can learn from is a Hall of Famer, however, and that makes the following list one with an admittedly strange blend of talent.

In some instances, Hardaway Jr. should be following the lead of the legendarily great players. In others, he should be looking to become a more well-rounded player, and thus follow the lead of those who may not have gotten all the shine, but possessed magnificent fundamentals.

The question is: Which five players should New York Knicks shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. study as he attempts to create a more complete skill set?