Mavs Training Camp: Tim Hardaway Jr.’s Importance Shrinking?
Following the Kyrie Irving trade in February, the Dallas Mavericks were left lacking many of the players that helped superstar Luka Doncic and head coach Jason Kidd make it to the Western Conference Finals two seasons ago. One of the few familiar faces remaining from that team, although he was injured for that playoff run, is Tim Hardaway Jr.
Hardaway has carved out a nice 10-year career so far with stints on the New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks and Mavericks, and he is about to start his fifth full season in Dallas. Averaging 14.4 points per game last season, Hardaway remains a consistent kick-out option for the playmaking of Doncic and Kyrie Irving … but could his importance to the team be shrinking this year?
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This season, Hardaway comes into training camp with more competition for the starting small forward position than he’s had in the last five years. Due to the overall improvement of Josh Green, and given his growth on the defensive end of the floor, Hardaway might not be starting for the Mavs unless it’s in an emergency situation. Hardaway started 45 games last season, and it should be even less this time around.
In this position, Hardaway looks to be on the trade block, where he’s seemingly been for the last few seasons. He’s set to make $17.9 million this season and $16.2 million next season to finish up his current contract.
No matter where Hardaway ends up in the lineup this season, he will surely be a contributing piece for the Mavs. His scoring ability and spot-up potential makes him a valuable asset both on the court alongside Doncic and Irving, or off the court in potential trade opportunities.
