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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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WASHINGTON, DC –  APRIL 26: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC –  APRIL 26: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards in Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 26, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Offensive Versatility

Early in his NBA career, Tim Hardaway Jr. was regarded as a player who relied almost exclusively on his jump shot. He’s an explosive leaper who can play above the rim, but his ability to drive the lane was limited in its usage.

Under head coach Jeff Hornacek, Hardaway will have a chance to round into form as a shooter, slasher, and facilitator.

Hardaway has made at least 120 three-point field goals in three of his four seasons, including the 149 he converted in 2016-17. He hasn’t attacked the rim quite as much as he’s capable of, but Hornacek’s offense should help with that inconsistency.

Hornacek encourages his shooters to attack closeouts, and Hardaway has the athleticism, body control, and finishing ability to flourish in said situations.

In addition to being a proven shooter and athletic finisher, Hardaway is an underrated passer. His career-high is 3.0 assists per 36 minutes, but that number should rise if the Knicks trust him to provide balance to the somewhat unstable point guard situation.

After averaging 14.5 points per game and 19.1 points per 36 minutes in 2016-17, it’s fair to believe the latter mark could exceed 20.0.

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If all of this works out as expected, Tim Hardaway Jr. could become the first player in New York Knicks history to win Most Improved Player.

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