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Tim Hardaway Jr.: 5 potential landing spots in 2017 NBA free agency

By Simon Smith

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 09: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks lays in a basket against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena on November 9, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 09: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks lays in a basket against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena on November 9, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 09: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks lays in a basket against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena on November 9, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – NOVEMBER 09: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks lays in a basket against the Chicago Bulls at Philips Arena on November 9, 2016 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

5. Dallas Mavericks

A feature of so many Mavericks teams led by head coach Rick Carlisle has been consistently featuring among the elite in the league on the offensive end. But this past season was different, with the Mavericks ranking dead last with 97.9 points per game. Furthermore, they ranked 29th in the league in offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) at 103.7, and ranked 29th for PACE (number of possessions per 48 minutes) at 94.16.

Just 25 and still improving, Hardaway Jr. would fit into the overall scheme being put in place in the Big D. Moving forward, the Mavericks feature a young core consisting of Harrison Barnes, Seth Curry, D-League call up Yogi Ferrell and recently acquired center Nerlens Noel. Furthermore, they obtained highly rated point guard Dennis Smith Jr. with the No. 9 overall pick of the 2017 NBA Draft.

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While Curry and Ferrell impressed in the latter stages of the season, they are quite diminutive (6’2″ and 6’0″ respectively), as is Smith Jr. at 6’2″. On the other hand, handy is a rangy 6’6″ wingman, with the versatility to fill a number of positions on both ends of the floor.

The main contention, like a number of situations on free agency, will be the monetary arrangement. About to enter his prime, Hardaway Jr.’s best days are ahead of him. But the Mavericks have some of their own free agents to worry about first.

Noel is out of contract, and is expected to fetch a hefty sum to retain his rights (think Steven Adams last summer), while Nowitzki is certain to be retained, albeit at a mark lower than his $25 million income earned last season. But the main issue is the Mavericks’ current starting shooting guard, Wesley Matthews.

Now two years removed from an Achilles rupture, Matthews has yet to break the 40.0 field goal percentage barrier in his two seasons in Dallas. With two years remaining on his deal, and a clear emphasis on promoting a younger core, shipping Matthews to a contender could be a realistic option for the Mavericks’ front office.

Hardaway Jr. would represent a terrific fit within Carlisle’s system, and could represent a terrific, under-the-radar move for the Mavericks.

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