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New York Knicks: 5 realistic goals for Tim Hardaway Jr. in 2017-18

By Maxwell Ogden

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 9: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 9, 2017 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 9: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates during a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 9, 2017 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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AUBURN HILLS, MI – JANUARY 18: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks goes for the lay up during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 18, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, MI – JANUARY 18: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks goes for the lay up during the game against the Detroit Pistons on January 18, 2017 at The Palace of Auburn Hills in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Win Most Improved Player

This is an ambitious goal, but it’s one that embodies everything it is that Tim Hardaway Jr. should be aiming for. Hardware is hardly the most rational end goal for a team-oriented player like Hardaway Jr., but it’s one that serves as the culmination of the goals laid out for him.

If Hardaway Jr. is setting individual goals for himself, then the Most Improved Player award would be the honor he receives for his progress.

Hardaway Jr. projects to be a featured scoring option, a secondary facilitator, and one of the most important defenders on the roster. If he’s able to both produce and defend in the manner expected of him, he’ll be in the running for this award.

If the New York Knicks manage to overachieve and make it to the NBA Playoffs, then Hardaway Jr.’s case would improve by a significant measure.

Hardaway Jr. is coming off of a season during which he averaged 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.9 three-point field goals made in 27.3 minutes per game. It stands to reason that every one of those averages will increase, especially with a a rise in playing time.

The Knicks have star-caliber firepower in the form of Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis, but Hardaway Jr. is being paid to be a high-level No. 3.

Must Read: 5 realistic goals for Frank Ntilikina in 2017-18

The question is: Will Tim Hardaway Jr. put in the necessary work to earn Most Improved Player and, more importantly, justify the contract handed to him by the New York Knicks?

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