New York Knicks: 5 goals for Tim Hardaway Jr. in 2017-18
By Randy Porga
4. Tightening up on defense
It will be pointed out over and over again until Knicks fans can see it for themselves, but as a whole they will need to tighten up their presence on defense. One of the reasons he drew interest from New York once more was how he recently has improved on the defensive end.
He began his career rather poorly in this area. During his rookie season, his Defensive Box Plus/Minus was a staggering -3.5 and it was worse in his second season at -4.2 DBPM. However, during his time with the Atlanta Hawks, he moved the needle a bit, at least bringing it to -1.2 DBPM during 2015-16 and -1.5 during 2016-17.
Without improved defense the New York Knicks’ move toward younger players will be regarded as a colossal failure. It would mean the franchise learned nothing the first time around when it reeled in Carmelo Anthony and failed to build around him accordingly.
Tim Hardaway Jr. must focus on improving his defense if he hopes to earn starting minutes and a role justifying his $71 million contract.