Few role players get the privilege of suiting up alongside multiple superstars. Tim Hardaway Jr. is living that dream.
The veteran guard just joined the Denver Nuggets after years with Luka Doncic in Dallas. Now he’s preparing to unlock a familiar dynamic with Nikola Jokic.
He recently explained why he should be able to count on his experience with the Slovenian with his new team.
Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver PostThe shocking similarities between Jokic and Luka that will transform Hardaway’s role
Hardaway isn’t approaching his new partnership blindly. He’s already witnessed Jokic’s magical playmaking abilities through his friendship with Luka.
The two European superstars share an unbreakable bond on and off the court. Their basketball IQ and vision operate on similar wavelengths, creating endless opportunities for shooters.
“For me personally, I really do think I’ve seen that [something exceptional] in Luka a little bit, just being his teammate. And those guys are buddies, on and off the floor,” Hardaway explained.
Jokic and Doncic’s connection runs deeper than friendship. Both players possess the rare ability to elevate teammates through perfect timing and court vision.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty ImagesWhy Hardaway’s shooting will become unstoppable with Jokic’s genius passes
Tim Hardaway Jr. understands the formula for success. Jokic’s supernatural passing ability creates premium scoring opportunities that most players can only dream about.
“So it’s like some of the things I see in Joker, I see in Luka, with their passing abilities, with their IQ and vision of the game,” Hardaway revealed.
The veteran sharpshooter averaged 11 points and shot 36.8% from three with Detroit last season. Those numbers even have the potential to increase as he will play alongside the three-time MVP.
Jokic’s ability to find teammates in perfect shooting rhythm could unlock Hardaway’s full potential. The floor spacing dynamic creates nightmare scenarios for opposing defenses.
How Hardaway’s arrival solves Denver’s biggest playoff weakness and championship puzzle
Denver’s postseason struggles exposed a critical flaw. When teams successfully contained Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets lacked reliable scoring options.
Hardaway’s presence fills that void perfectly. His proven three-point shooting provides the depth Denver desperately needed during last year’s playoff exit.
The timing couldn’t be better. Having pushed the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games, Denver proved they could be championship-ready with minor adjustments.
“Last year, they took the champs to game seven. So I really don’t feel like we’re that far away, that far off. But little things here and there that could propel us over the hump. I think we get the job done,” Hardaway stated confidently.
The Nuggets’ championship window remains wide open with their newest weapon ready to fire.