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New York Knicks: 3 takeaways from open practice 2017

By Ed Easton Jr.

NEW YORK CITY - OCTOBER 16: Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks during the Knicks Open Practice at Madison Square Garden on October 16, 2016 in New York, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY - OCTOBER 16: Jeff Hornacek of the New York Knicks during the Knicks Open Practice at Madison Square Garden on October 16, 2016 in New York, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images
Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images /

2. Tim Hardaway Jr.’s aggressive approach on offense

Tim Hardaway Jr. has heard the criticism all summer after signing the four-year, $71 million contract. Many don’t believe the deal was a good investment, but he is focused on proving that he’s worth it and much more. Coming off a career season in Atlanta, Hardaway Jr. has the chance to be an offensive powerhouse with the Knicks, especially after the Carmelo Anthony deal.

Throughout the entire practice and scrimmage Hardaway Jr. looked very aggressive offensively, hoisting up jump shots without any hesitation. Hornacek even designed a play for him to display in front of the New York faithful. The scrimmage showed plenty of chemistry between Hardaway Jr. and first round draft pick Frank Ntilikina, as they are probably going to be the starters heading into the regular season.

Hardaway Jr. addressed the media after the practice with only the playoffs on his mind and not the large contract he received over the summer.

"“My expectation is for this team to go to the playoffs, and nothing more, It starts with practice tomorrow.” “I really could care less. At this point, I could care less. People need to move on, move forward with that. That’s in the past right now. We’ve got to get ready for the season. If they’re still harping on that then their mind is somewhere else. I’m focused on the team, I’m here to win, and I know my teammates and the coaching staff, everybody in that front office has that faith and trust in me that I’m gonna go out there and do whatever I can to help the team win.”"

Hardaway Jr. will be a force to be reckoned with if he continues to remain focused and aggressive throughout the season. His maturity looked to be on full display throughout the open practice, giving Knicks fans more to talk about than just his contract.

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