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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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WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 26: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates after scoring against the Washington Wizards in the first half of Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at at Verizon Center on April 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC – APRIL 26: Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks celebrates after scoring against the Washington Wizards in the first half of Game Five of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at at Verizon Center on April 26, 2017 in Washington, DC. 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 Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

4. San Antonio Spurs

It’s been clear at the start of this free agency period that the Spurs are in the market for an injection of talent.

First, they have been reported to have been in talks for dealing away incumbent shooting guard Danny Green. More recently, they held talks with free forward Andre Iguodola before he re-signed with the Golden State Warriors. Therefore, the Spurs are under no illusions that they need to make some upgrades to their roster in order to keep pace with the craziness occurring around them.

While not the prototypical Spurs veteran-type recruit, Hardaway Jr. provides them with a couple of areas they are currently deficient – youth and athleticism. On top of Green being shopped around, the Spurs also have the uncertainty surrounding the return of point guard Tony Parker following the knee injury he sustained this past postseason.

Hardaway Jr.’s ability to fill multiple positions would a terrific fit alongside resident superstar Kawhi Leonard, and backup point guard Patty Mills, who recently agreed to terms with the team on a new deal. One other factor favoring such a move is Hardaway Jr.’s performance’s last season against the Spurs.

One of these performances saw Hardaway Jr. compile 29 points on 6-of-7 shooting from three-point range, including the tying basket to force the game into overtime.

Another factor that would have to come into consideration is the regard in which coach Budenholzer now holds him. As assistant with the Spurs for 17 seasons, compliments such as the following are certain to garner the attention of the Spurs’ head coach, Gregg Popovich.

"“Tim’s got a great package of athleticism and skill and shooting ability. I think now he’s more comfortable and understands what we’re doing better. He’s a hell of a player.”"

Considering his age and upside, this is the type of move that the Spurs could pull off that would once again leave the rest of the league shaking its head.

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