7. Tim Hardaway Jr. leads the Knicks in points per game, even if Porzingis returns
Without Kristaps Porzingis, as with the second half of the 2017-18 season, the New York Knicks need players to step up and carry the workload. That includes Enes Kanter, Courtney Lee, the trio of point guards and Kevin Knox.
Tim Hardaway Jr., however, stands as the most likely player to lead the way without Porzings—maybe even when he’s around.
From the perimeter, Hardaway Jr. acts among the team’s best, despite a 31.7 percent clip last season. His 35.2 percent from previous years signify an uptick is on the way, and this rise is necessary toward the gap that Porzingis leaves behind in his absence.
Porzingis’ return may not happen until Christmas, February 2019 or at all this season. For whatever timespan he’s out for, it allows Hardaway to continue his rise in points per game—albeit with more shot attempts—in an increased role at the forefront of the offense.
When the 23-year-old phenom returns, though, he may not be 100 percent or in pre-injury basketball shape. Plus, the coaching staff can steadily work him back into the lineup and not force 30-plus minutes per game immediately. Will that let Hardaway remain in control of the offense after Porzingis comes back?
If so, it could be a career year for the Michigan product in his biggest opportunity yet. What will it result in?