New York Knicks: 5 realistic goals for Tim Hardaway Jr. in 2017-18
New York Knicks shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. was signed to a four-year deal worth roughly $71 million. What are realistic goals for his first season back in New York?
The New York Knicks made a number of surprising decisions during the 2017 offseason. It started with the selection of Frank Ntilikina at the NBA Draft, continued with decision to part ways with Phil Jackson mere days before free agency, and culminated with the signing of Tim Hardaway Jr.
Although some are still uncomfortable with the contract that New York handed to Hardaway Jr., there’s a growing sense of optimism pertaining to what he can do.
Hardaway Jr. is coming off of a career-year with the Atlanta Hawks. Playing for a team that comfortably made the playoffs, Hardaway Jr. set career-highs in points (14.5), rebounds (2.8), assists (2.3), steals (0.7), and three-point field goals made (1.9) per game.
Hardaway Jr. also improved his efficiency to a career-best mark of 45.5 percent shooting from the field, and translated his career-best scoring average to 19.1 points per 36 minutes.
As the Knicks prepare for a season that’s leaving most unsure of what to expect, eyes are beginning to turn to Hardaway Jr. He signed a four-year contract worth $71 million, which is close enough to the price range of an All-Star.
New York Knicks fans would be thrilled to see Tim Hardaway Jr. make the All-Star Game, but before he can get there, finishing touches will be needed.
The question is: What are realistic goals for the 25-year-old in 2017-18?