Tim Hardaway Jr makes NBA Debut for the Knicks

Submitted by Real Tackles Wear 77 on

5 Pts, 2 Ast in 15 minutes of action, in a NYK win. Not bad for his first game, I think we'll see him take on more and more of a role as the season goes on.

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TWSWBC

October 31st, 2013 at 8:49 AM ^

I like josh smith playing swatting shots, crashing boards, filling lanes and finishing at the basket. I cringe when he shoots 3s. Sure he made a couple but he doesn't shoot a good percentage plus he had an air ball. I think Mo Cheeks is going to live with him launching a few per game bc he's playing out of position and can't work in the post as much with Monroe and Drummond in the game.

Joined: 01/27/2011

MGoPoints: 1819

Gustavo Fring

October 30th, 2013 at 11:27 PM ^

But THJ's minutes are not likely to increase dramatically as the season continues.  Tonight, JR Smith was serving the first of a five-game suspension.  WHen he returns however, there will be a log jam at the wing positions.  The Knicks love to play two-point guard lineups (their PG's are Ray Felton, Pablo Prigioni, and Beno Udrih) and are also loaded on the wing (Smith, Iman Shumpert, Metta World Peace, Melo). 

Timmy will get some playing time for sure and he has shown off a very nice stroke from downtown, but his defense really needs to improve.  Nevertheless, I'm glad to see him in the Mecca of Basketball.

Joined: 09/29/2009

MGoPoints: 5175

MGoKalamazoo

October 31st, 2013 at 12:49 AM ^

I understand THJ hit his "ceiling" with Michigan. But to me, from a person who is obviously well off, why not take another shot at a national title? Personally, I would prefer that opposed to being a rookie off the bench in the NBA, which he would have been whenever he came out. 

Joined: 01/13/2010

MGoPoints: 6307

Pit2047

October 31st, 2013 at 2:33 AM ^

With the absolute LOADS of talent in next years draft, there is no way that THJ is a first round pick and that means no guaranteed contract.  Right now, the Knicks have to pay him the remainder of his deal and are incentivized to keep him, develop him and hopefully one day look at him as a bright spot on the team.  Life is much different for a second round pick like Deshaun Thomas who really has to prove themselves to keep their spot.

Joined: 06/12/2013

MGoPoints: 4375

Doctor Wolverine

October 31st, 2013 at 5:39 AM ^

I guess, like, that's your opinion man. Maybe he wanted fulfill a dream of playing pro ball and saw that this was his best shot and highest draft potential. Maybe his dad is pretty plugged in and knew NY was looking for a wing. Maybe he was ready to start his own career. Whatever his reasons, let's just wish him well and appreciate his time he spent at UofM.

Joined: 08/13/2009

MGoPoints: 3045

MGlobules

October 31st, 2013 at 8:10 AM ^

spend too much time thinking we know what players should do when their own realities, like ours, are pretty damned complex. Also, he'll always be welcome here. If he wanted to come back and take more courses, complete his degree, of course he could. I get that some people are down on the NBA, for some good reasons, some bad ones. But you want to do what you do well with the best, and get paid for it.  

Joined: 11/17/2008

MGoPoints: 47642

SotoWolverine

October 31st, 2013 at 9:31 AM ^

Most likely his Dream was always to play in the NBA. Yes winning a national championship is important but for all these kids playing in the NBA is the ultimate goal. 

Also there is a HUGE difference between having money and EARNING money. Especially being a JR, it is likely that he wanted to start building his own life, legacy, career, etc instead of just having stuff because he is Tim Hardaway's kid. 

Joined: 09/17/2011

MGoPoints: 21

SotoWolverine

October 31st, 2013 at 9:31 AM ^

Most likely his Dream was always to play in the NBA. Yes winning a national championship is important but for all these kids playing in the NBA is the ultimate goal. 

Also there is a HUGE difference between having money and EARNING money. Especially being a JR, it is likely that he wanted to start building his own life, legacy, career, etc instead of just having stuff because he is Tim Hardaway's kid. 

Joined: 09/17/2011

MGoPoints: 21

kehnonymous

October 31st, 2013 at 2:36 AM ^

Because a national title is far from guaranteed; in fact there's probably an even better chance that he might've suffered a devastating injury that would stifle his pro career before it even started.  If he wants to make his career playing professional ball, he will have much more time to work on his chosen career practicing with pros and playing in the D-League.

I loved the way he represented my university on and off the court, but he absolutely made the right choice for him.  If I was a top flight architecture major (I wasn't) and I M Pei's firm called me up my sophomore year and was like "yo, dude, if you sign with us next season we'll pay you $800,000/year on top of a $1 million signing bonus, I'd be outta Ann Arbor faster than Kobiyashi swallowing a hot dog

 

Joined: 11/25/2011

MGoPoints: 32994

backusduo

October 31st, 2013 at 9:53 AM ^

My buddy is an NBA shooting coach, and he has good friends in the Knick organization.  He told me they aren't just a little excited, but VERY.  They really like his shooting, quick release, and ability to put the ball on the court.  Expectations have gone from, he could be a role player, to the next Jeremy Lin discovery for NY.  They are bringing him along slow and allowing him to get used to the NBA, but especially with Carmello on the roster they think he is the perfect compliment and are plannng to see his minutes increase as the team gels. 

Joined: 12/18/2008

MGoPoints: 590