NBA Rookie Rankings 12/8/13: Triple-Doubles For Everybody
By Nathan Giese
5. Tim Hardaway Jr., New York Knicks
Dec 1, 2013; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. (5) reacts after scoring a three point basket during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden. New Orleans Pelicans won 103-99. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Basketball in New York is not a splendid thing right now. Both the Nets and Knicks have been floundering this season despite playing in an overall weak Eastern Conference. Fortunately for the Knicks, Tim Hardaway Jr. has been one of the few bright spots during their drought.
Aside from his amazing displays on the bench, Hardaway had an impressive week, scoring 48 points and going 12-for-21 from 3-point range in three games. The Knicks has finally won back-to-back games this season thanks in no small part to Hardaway’s contributions.
While the bench scoring is supposed to come from J.R. Smith for New York, Hardaway Jr. has inserted himself into the sixth man conversation as well. Scoring more than eight points per game is a nice start. Providing a lethal shooting weapon off the bench could help to take Tim Hardaway Jr. and the Knicks back to their expected winning ways.