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New York Knicks: Projecting the preseason opener’s starting lineup

By Rob Wolkenbrod

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks and Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks high-five during the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 6: Trey Burke #23 of the New York Knicks and Tim Hardaway Jr. #3 of the New York Knicks high-five during the game against the Miami Heat on April 6, 2018 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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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) /

Guard: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Like Burke, Tim Hardaway Jr. has a carryover effect from the past season’s production. He played second fiddle to Kristaps Porzingis in the offense for the first half of the season, while the post-ACL timespan resulted in an ascension to the main spot.

Hardaway finished the year at 17.5 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists, all of which were career-highs. Shooting percentage suffered, however, at just 42.1 from the field and 31.7 from three-point range.

Stronger numbers are needed to stay in Fizdale’s unique offense—mostly from the perimeter. Otherwise, there’s Courtney Lee to supplant him off the bench or a creative alteration to make a Hardaway-less lineup work.

The Michigan product also dealt with injuries that forced him to miss 25 games, and if he remains healthy, a surge to percentages with the Atlanta Hawks in 2016-17 (45.5 percent from the field and 35.7 percent via three-pointers) could be in the cards. Easier said than done, but it’s difficult to pinpoint how much the missed time sunk his numbers.

None of this includes Hardaway’s $17.32 million salary. If the decision actually discludes money, then it’s up to him to prove worthy of a starting spot on opening night.

For now, the 26-year-old guard will see his opportunity on Oct. 1. After that, he blends into the decisionmaking for the staff.

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