New York Knicks: 3 candidates for a breakout season in 2018-19

3. Tim Hardaway Jr.

After returning to the Knicks last summer for $71 million over four years, shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr. enjoyed a lot of success in the first season of his second tenure with the Knicks.

Filled with many ups and downs, Hardaway averaged career-highs  in points, rebounds and assists.

He filled a need as a reliable shooter who could get his own shot off, but struggled with efficiency. He went from shooting 45 percent from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range in his last season with the Atlanta Hawks, to 42 percent shooting and 31 percent from 3 with the Knicks.

Upping his 3s attempted per game and becoming the second option on offense was a bit of a struggle for Hardaway, but his main problem was staying on the floor.

He only played 57 games last year and looks to improve on that total this season. If Hardaway can stay on the floor this season, he will see an increase of usage and will have a great chance at improving his offensive numbers from a season ago.

Hardaway might become the main candidate to take a step forward this year with the Knicks due to the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, who is still rehabbing from a torn ACL.

Hardaway and center Enes Kanter are the two players poised to take over as the first option for the Knicks and even if Kanter ends up being the focal point of the offense, Hardaway will have plenty of chances to score with his perimeter abilities and scoring touch.

If he stays healthy and improves on his efficiency from the field, Hardaway looks to be one of the lone bright spot for the Knicks this year.