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In the 2013 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks were looking for a player who could help come in and deepen their team at the guard spot. The Knicks think they have found that player in combo guard Tim Hardaway Jr.
Hardaway becoming a Knick is a circumstance of fate because his famous father, Tim Hardaway famously detested the Knickerbockers. The point guard was a Knick destroyer during his days with the Miami Heat having his way with Chris Childs and Charlie Ward. His son, now a Knick, has been thrust on the other side of this rivalry, but judging by his time at Michigan, he is surely ready for.
The lithe combo guard stands at 6-foot-6 and his strengths are his slashing ability and athleticism. His jumping ability was on full display during the NCAA title game versus Louisville, where he made first-round pick Gorgui Deng a full-time member of the posterized club. the Knicks didn’t get this in Hardaway; they got a tough kid who is about winning.
Hardaway played three years at Michigan going from Big 10 Rookie of the Year on a losing team to leading his team to a championship shot. Each year, he improved transitioning from a shot first player to an invaluable cog on a championship contender. With his height, he is able to defend from the point guard position to the small forward. His range and touch has also shown remarkable improvement during his tenure in Ann Arbour.
Hardaway looks to be a key rotation piece for the Knicks who are looking for more athleticism from their bench as opposed to the AARP reserves they had last year. Hardaway, who can play multiple positions, should shine under the guidance of Mike Woodson.
Kyle Bostic is a writer for Rant Sports. You can follow him on Twitter or like his page on Facebook. You can also add him to your circles on Google.
