New York Knicks: Tim Hardaway Jr. is working hard for the money

New York Knicks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. has been putting in the work this off-season, but will it pay off in 2017-18?

Training camp officially opens for teams around the NBA in a few weeks and already some players have begun preparations for the new season. The $72 million man from the New York Knicks, better known as Tim Hardaway Jr., has been putting in major work this summer to take on his new potential role as team leader.

The former Michigan Wolverine standout has spent most of his summer on the court sharpening his game. The various workouts and on-court drills have been captured on several videos that have gone viral lately. This obviously is an attempt to show his growth as a player if he’s indeed wanting them to be released.

Chicago Bulls shooting guard Dwyane Wade was a recent witness to Hardaway Jr. putting in work this offseason, offering plenty of positive feed back from the experience. The 12-time NBA All-Star shared his thoughts with reporters on Hardaway’s progression as a player after the two worked out earlier this month in Los Angeles.

"“The one thing I’ve seen in [Hardaway] is he’s working. He works tirelessly on his body and game. He’s gotten so much better since he was first in NY. Same name but different player.”"

Hardaway Jr. will be faced with the opportunity to prove himself as a leader heading into the 2017-18 season as the Knicks are in rebuild mode. The new contract may have solidified him as the starting shooting guard moving forwardm but his ability to grow as a complete player and help guide a young and inexperienced backcourt will be huge.

The Knicks are currently carrying some young point guards in first round pick Frank Ntilikina and second-year player Ron Baker, along with veteran backup Ramon Sessions.

Hardaway Jr. seems to have taken the young star from France under his wing in his most recent training video compilation. The two can be seen practicing in-game situation drills and growing a much-needed chemistry with one another. It’s also worth noting that current Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony was a participant in the workouts as well while awaiting word on his fate with the team.

Anthony was blatantly left off of any Knicks marketing efforts for the new season, further indicating his likely departure from the organization. Knicks team president Steve Mills released a blog entry recently focusing on Hardaway Jr. and the other young core of the team, leaving out the 10-time All-Star.

"“And our plan to become more youthful and athletic is underway with 22-year-old Kristaps Porzingis, the return of Tim Hardaway Jr., 25, Willy  Hernangomez, 23, and with the debut of our 1st round draft pick, Frank  Ntilikina, just  19.“Only from there can a productive offense flow.  We will emphasize ball movement, body movement, spacing and screening, while understanding that these changes will be a work in progress. We may not be there at first, but that’s the brand of ball our players will aspire to fulfill. These players,  still young,  intent on enhancing their games, engaged in a common objective, are already altering the atmosphere surrounding the club.’’"

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Hardaway Jr.’s workouts won’t mean much if New York struggles badly out of the gates starting this October. At the end of the day, it’s still positive promotion — something the organization hasn’t had in a log time.