Daily Knicks
Fansided

New York Knicks: The foundation has already been laid

By Maxwell Ogden

New York Knicks Frank Ntilikina Kristaps Porzingis Tim Hardaway Jr. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
New York Knicks Frank Ntilikina Kristaps Porzingis Tim Hardaway Jr. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 31: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 31, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – MARCH 31: Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Detroit Pistons on March 31, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Perimeter Complement: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Supporting Kristaps Porzingis is a perimeter player whose progress has been greatly under-appreciated: Tim Hardaway Jr. In his first season back in New York, Hardaway is setting career-highs in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and three-point field goals made per game.

That’s especially impressive when one considers the type of adversity that Hardaway has been forced to overcome in 2017-18.

Hardaway suffered a stress fracture in his left leg that contributed heavily to the 22 games he’s missed in 2017-18. Almost as soon as Hardaway was healthy again, Porzingis went down and the entire focus of opposing defenses turned to stopping him.

Despite being tasked with adjusting while not at 100 percent, Hardaway has taken the challenge in stride and produced encouraging numbers.

Hardaway is averaging 19.0 points and 2.4 three-point field goals made per game in the 22 outings since Porzingis’ injury. That includes averages of 20.2 points and 2.5 three-point field goals made on 44.6 percent shooting from the field over the past 19 games.

Hardaway may not be the No. 1 star whom some inaccurately believe his salary requires him to be, but this experience should prepare him for the challenges of being a true No. 2.

Home/Knicks News