Atlanta Hawks: Tim Hardaway Jr. Quietly Having A Successful Season
By Alex Eddy
After an up and down start to his career, Tim Hardaway Jr has quietly been having a successful season for the Atlanta Hawks
Tim Hardaway Jr. has scored in double-figures in 21 of his last 22 games. He has been in and out of the starting lineup for the Atlanta Hawks all season, but has been sensational of late.
Recently, Hardaway Jr. has been a huge spark off the bench, providing a great shooting threat for the Hawks. He has really fit in nicely with the departure of Kyle Korver.
Hardaway Jr. is averaging career highs in points per game, field-goal percentage, three-point percentage, rebounds per game, assists per game, and steals per game. The former Wolverine was drafted by the Knicks with the 24th overall pick in the 2013 draft.
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A fan favorite at Madison Square Garden, Hardaway Jr. only played two seasons with the Knicks before being dealt to the Hawks. The Knicks received the draft rights to Jerian Grant in return. Hardaway Jr. is yet another example of a player that the Knicks let go of too early. He is a very good scorer, and he can get hot very quickly. The Knicks could definitely use his services right about now.
Hardaway Jr. has hit at least one three-pointer in 19 straight games now, as he has become a consistent threat from downtown. His game is not talked about that much around the NBA, people tend to forget about him. He is not going to blow you away with star potential, but he can provide a huge lift off the bench. Despite his productivity this year, the Hawks tried to trade him at the deadline.
"[via HoopsHype]A season and a half later, the Hawks are interested in trading Hardaway before he hits restricted free agency this summer.“They’re already shopping Tim Hardaway for second round picks because they don’t want to pay him,” said Lowe."
The Atlanta Hawks should definitely ponder keeping Hardaway Jr. for the foreseeable future. Still only 24 years of age (soon to be 25), Hardaway Jr. can bring instant offense every night. As the Hawks continue to make a playoff push, look for Hardaway Jr. to be a key factor as the postseason gets closer and closer.
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He may not get the praise of a Paul Millsap, but he is definitely an important piece to this Hawks team.