Dallas Mavs’ Tim Hardaway Jr. Ready to Embrace ‘Hybrid’ Bench Role
After experiencing an offseason where he was heavily discussed in trade talks, Dallas Mavericks veteran Tim Hardaway Jr. remains on the roster for the start of the regular season, which is now less than one week away.
"I didn’t know if I was going to be here if I’m going to be honest with you," Hardaway said on Mavs Media Day. "I took that time to definitely lock-in, control what I could control, work my tail off, stay healthy, and come back better than ever. I feel secure here now."
Even with that security, though, Hardaway's role is still in question, with younger players like Josh Green and Derrick Jones Jr. competing for the starting small forward spot.
During an interview with Marc Stein on 97.1 The Freak before training camp, Mavs coach Jason Kidd mentioned that he plans to discuss a bench role with Hardaway to begin the season, something the wing was surprised to hear on media day.
Of course, Hardaway was respectful and said all the right things, but you could tell he wasn’t necessarily thrilled with the idea of coming off the bench. Now, with the dust settled, Hardaway spoke with a different tune in a recent post-practice presser.
"It hasn't happened one-on-one, but it kind of gave a sense," Hardaway said. "I’m at a hybrid at this point, whether I start or come off the bench, we’ll go from there. Whatever situation or role he plays me, at this point, it's time to go."
Hardaway, 31, has been a solid piece for the Mavs since he was traded to Dallas during the 2018-19 season. His spot-up shooting ability has been valuable alongside Luka Doncic. Now, Green, Jones and possible Dante Exum will challenge that role.
Green specifically has similar shooting ability and higher athleticism combined with his ever-improving defense. Green, at the young age of 22, gives the Mavs more potential to work with, whereas Hardaway has most likely reached his peak.
No matter which role Hardaway is in, he seems to be adamant about accepting that role and focusing on one thing only — winning.
