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

By Maxwell Ogden

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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DALLAS – APRIL 5: Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley of the Dallas Mavericks stand on court against the Orlando Magic on April 5, 2005 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo By Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS – APRIL 5: Dirk Nowitzki and Michael Finley of the Dallas Mavericks stand on court against the Orlando Magic on April 5, 2005 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Copyright 2005 NBAE (Photo By Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Michael Finley

One of the unsung heroes of Dirk Nowitzki’s development into an all-time great is shooting guard Michael Finley. While Nowitzki will forever be remembered for his scoring proficiency, it was Finley who alleviated early pressure from the legendary power forward.

Tim Hardaway Jr. will be asked to provide similar aid to Kristaps Porzingis, which makes studying Finley an appropriate, if not necessary, decision.

Nowitzki scored at a comparable level to Porzingis in his second season, and became Dallas’ leading scorer in his third year. Porzingis may follow that very path in 2017-18, when he could become the featured scorer in Jeff Hornacek’s offense.

The critical context, however, is that it was Finley who led the Mavericks in field goal attempts per game during Nowitzki’s third season—a truth that enabled much of what Dirk achieved.

Finley was an excellent scorer who, like Hardaway Jr., offered a bit of everything as far his skill set was concerned. He had a respectable jump shot, could drive and finish, and was even adept at creating for others—traits that Hardaway Jr. is beginning to display himself.

Whether it’s learning how to complement an unorthodox big man or improving his individual game, Finley’s game film has much to offer to Hardaway Jr.

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