Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Most Important Players For Every Eastern Conference Playoff Team

By Steven Abramo

Apr 2, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots a ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) defends during the third quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Toronto Raptors won 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots a ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) defends during the third quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Toronto Raptors won 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 5, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) dribbles the ball up the court against Indiana Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey (2) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Pacers defeated the Hawks 97-96. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 5, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) dribbles the ball up the court against Indiana Pacers guard Rodney Stuckey (2) during the second half at Philips Arena. The Pacers defeated the Hawks 97-96. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Atlanta Hawks – Tim Hardaway Jr.

For so many years, the Hawks have been a breeding ground for both drafted players and newly-acquired trade pick-ups to hone their skills and improve as their career progresses. Past examples of this phenomenon are players such as Kyle Korver, Jeff Teague and Al Horford. And more recently, Dennis Schroder, Paul Millsap and Dwight Howard.

Second-year Hawk shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is making that claim at the most critical time during Atlanta’s season. With only six games left before the playoffs hit, Atlanta might have discovered their most useful role player.

Despite starting in 26 of Atlanta’s 76 games this season, and averaging 26 minutes per game, Hardaway’s impact to the Hawks has been significant as of late. While Hardaway is averaging the most points in his still very young career (14.2 PPG), his ability to create his own shot off the dribble will be crucial, especially when paired up with ball-dominant players in Schroder and Kent Bazemore.

Although Hardaway hasn’t progressed at all as a facilitator or rebounder this season, somehow, he’s made up for it. According to NBA.com, this season the Hawks have a 111.9 offensive rating when Hardaway shares the floor with Paul Millsap, Dwight Howard, and Dennis Schröder, but when Hardaway is off the court, the Hawks have a 97.2 offensive rating with that same starter trio on the floor. Case in point, Hardaway might not be a dynamic scorer, but he’s well rounded and opens the floor well to the Hawks liking.

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