Tim Hardaway Jr. helped spark the Nuggets’ fourth-quarter rally over the Utah Jazz, scoring 11 of his 21 points in the final frame of the Nuggets’ 135-129 come-from-behind win. He had five made threes in the game, and it was the 17th time he’s scored 20 or more for the Nuggets this season. THJ’s been a bargain, and the Nuggets continue to look smart for signing him every time he catches fire.
Hardaway’s been playing great basketball for the Nuggets all year. And because of head coach David Adelman’s commitment to keeping Hardaway as the anchor of the bench, Hardaway is well-positioned to bring home the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award at the end of the season.
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The 13-year veteran is averaging 13.8 points per game on what would be a career-best three-point shooting percentage of 40.9%. And Hardaway currently leads the league in three pointers made off the bench, with 210, good for 10th overall, and just 12 behind Jamal Murray, who just set the franchise record for most made threes in a season, now at 222 and counting.
The Nuggets got one of the best bench players for a steal
Looking back at the performance Hardaway has offered for the value he signed for, it’s clearly a steal for the Nuggets. Tim MacMahon called Hardaway, “one of the best values in the league on a veteran’s minimum deal.” He isn’t kidding.
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For comparison, the Nuggets are paying Hardaway $2.296 million for this season. Cameron Johnson, the Nuggets’ big offseason trade acquisition, was acquired from the Nets in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. and a future 2032 first-round draft pick. He’s getting paid $21 million, and he’s averaging just 11.9 points per game.
However, to the benefit of both the Nuggets and THJ, Cam has turned it around of late, averaging 15.1 points on 49% from three over his last 10 games. That’s good for third in scoring on the team over that period.
Hardaway presents a conundrum next season
Hardaway has played exceptionally well this year, and it’s entirely possible that he could earn more than the veteran’s minimum next year on the open market. But if he does, the Nuggets may not be able to afford him.
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The Nuggets are already well over the luxury tax threshold and dangerously close to running into the second apron tax, and they need to re-sign Peyton Watson. Anything more than the vet’s minimum could present a problem.
THJ’s earned the extra pay next year, but he’ll probably have to come back at the minimum to fit for the Nuggets. But if he does and the Nuggets do, then they’ll probably look smart every time Hardaway goes for 20 next year, too.
This article was originally published on www.nugglove.com as The Nuggets look smarter every time Tim Hardaway Jr. gets hot.
