Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway does not see any guards in the NBA right now that play like he did back in the day. He, however, loves watching the new-generation players do their thing, including the Detroit Pistons’ Cade Cunningham.
The 6’7″ former Memphis standout made heads turn when he came into the NBA in the mid-1990s with the Orlando Magic. He was often compared to Magic Johnson, as he combined size, versatility, and showmanship, but with more athleticism in running the show for his team.
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Asked recently on his appearance on the “Hoop Genius Podcast” if he sees himself in any of the current guards playing in the NBA, Penny was candid in saying no, although he shared he likes the game of Cunningham.
“I mean, no one plays like me. But as far as the guys that I respect, obviously Jayson Tatum, Cade Cunningham, uh, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. There’s so many guys, I just don’t want to forget anyone because I love the entire league, but those guys come to mind right away. Um, you’re thinking about the teams that win, even Tyrese Halliburton, Jalen Brunson, all these guys that bring it every single night,” Hardaway said.
“You got Tyrese Maxey in Philly, who’s really bringing it. He didn’t come as a point guard, but now he’s a point guard. There’s so many guys that you can name, but those guys come to mind right away, um, that I really respect. Cade Cunningham, you know, big guards, guys that can just control the game, rebound the basketball, find people, and score at the same time,” he added.
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Orlando Penny was a different animal
Hardaway was selected third in the 1993 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. He, however, was immediately traded to the Magic along with three future first-round picks in exchange for the rights to the top overall pick, Chris Webber.
In Orlando, he found an instant connection with resident superstar Shaquille O’Neal. Together, they fast-tracked the rise of O-Town as a title contender in the NBA, even making it all the way to the Finals in 1995.
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When Shaq left for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, Hardaway assumed the leadership role for the Magic until knee injuries sidelined him, and he was never the same player again.
In 1999, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he played for four and a half seasons before joining the New York Knicks in 2003. He played his last year in the NBA with the Miami Heat in 2007.
In 14 years in the NBA, Hardaway, a four-time All-Star, had career averages of 15.2 points, five assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals.
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“Listen, other than injuries, he was the next Magic Johnson. I watched this young man — when Shaq would foul out, Penny would take over a game and lead us to victory,” former Magic forward Horace Grant described Hardaway.
Penny’s coaching career
After his playing days were over, Penny transitioned into coaching, leveraging his experience in the NBA and as a star player in college. He first coached at Lester Middle School in Memphis in 2011. Then, in 2018, he was hired by his alma mater, the University of Memphis, to be its head coach.
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In his first year with the Tigers, he led them to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT). In 2023, he steered the school to an American Athletic Conference championship and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Penny may not be seeing any current NBA player whose game is directly the same as his, but his influence and those of his generation can be seen in today’s game.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 6, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.