New York Knicks: Is it time to question the Tim Hardaway Jr. signing?

Could the New York Knicks be regretting the signing of Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason?

There are moments in time we all wish we could go back and do something different to change the outcome of a disaster. The New York Knicks may be looking at the roster and shaking their heads at the signing of Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hardaway was brought in to compliment Kristaps Porzingis on the wing. The Knicks made the move knowing Carmelo Anthony was leaving and was in dire need to replace his offensive production.

With Hardaway having a breakout season in 2016-17 in Atlanta, the Knicks figured they had their guy. But five games into the season, the Knicks are 2-3 and the offense is still featured around one man.

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In fairness, it should be noted that Hardaway Jr. did score a season-high 34 points in the team’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. However, in the previous four games, Hardaway Jr. was averaging 9.5 points per game on 27 percent shooting from the field.

The question on many New York Knicks fan’s minds is; where is Tim Hardaway Jr.?

For years, teams have thrown money at players for a “fluke year”, and this seems to be no different. The good part is, the season is still young and he has time to turn it around. The bad part is, this is NYC. Melo and Phil Jackson are gone and the weight has to fall somewhere. Porzingis is doing all he can but that perimeter production Hardaway provided for the Hawks is missing in Jeff Hornacek’s offense.

Not the same player he was in Atlanta

For the year, he’s struggling. Even with the 34-point outburst, Hardaway Jr. just 14.6 points on 35 percent shooting from the field. In Atlanta, during the 2016 season, he averaged 15 points while shooting 45 percent. That outburst would cost the Knicks over $17 million per season for the next four years.

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This issue with Hardaway is – no one knows. He’s been in this position before and overcame it. There is no way the Knicks can contend if their supposedly second best player continues to play like NBA G-Leaguer instead of an NBA player.