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New York Knicks: 5 reasons Tim Hardaway Jr. can win Most Improved Player

By Maxwell Ogden

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 3: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the preseason game on October 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 3: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks shoots the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the preseason game on October 3, 2017 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 30: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks goes for a lay up during practice at Kicks Training Facility on September 30, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – SEPTEMBER 30: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks goes for a lay up during practice at Kicks Training Facility on September 30, 2017 in Tarrytown, New York. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Increased Role & Responsibility

A season after making a significant leap, Tim Hardaway Jr. will receive a bigger role in a larger market. That’s a compelling truth that even the most jaded of fans must acknowledge as true—and, more importantly, a guarantee of greater exposure.

If Hardaway proves capable of handling the pressure of playing a featured role in a major market, the spotlight will shine bright on his strengths.

Playing for a glamour organization in the New York Knicks, Hardaway should see improvements across the board. His usage rate should reach a career-best point, his field goal attempts should be at a career-high, and his assists should rise in the motion offense.

If Hardaway’s usage increases, and he improves accordingly, then the statistics and substance will be paired in a captivating manner.

It’s worth noting that Hardaway’s usage rate was 21.5 percent in 2016-17. That’s relatively high, but he was a sixth man who was asked to be a spark plug—and now he’ll be a starter who’s asked to help anchor the offensive attack.

There’s no guaranteeing that Hardaway will rise to the occasion, but the opportunity will be there as a promoted starter in a major market and an exciting system.

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