Everyone, including Tim Hardaway Jr., is wondering when he will start making shots. After a recent loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, the New York Knicks biggest offseason signing faced the music when questioned about his shooting slump.
As per ESPN’s Ian Begley, Hardaway Jr. did not hold back after going 0-for-8 from behind the arc and scoring just nine points in a New York Knicks loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, via Ian Begley of ESPN.
Tim Hardaway Jr. (0-for-8 from 3): “I wish I could make a f—- shot. I am frustrated. Kind of in a slump right now. Just got to try to shoot my way out of it. Can’t harp on it. You can’t keep on letting it go. I mean, it’s too many games in a row now. I’ve got to figure it out.”
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 13, 2018
Hardaway Jr.’s frustration is clear. He knows that he was brought in to be part of the core of a young team, after signing a four-year $72 million contract in the summer.
A huge part of Hardaway Jr.’s game is his shooting. Management saw him as a borderline 20 points per game scorer, and he has failed to live up to the hype post lower leg injury. A season-ending injury for Kristaps Porzingis will also make life more difficult for a guard looking play-make and get open shots off the pick and roll.
Since the new year, Hardaway Jr. is averaging just under 14 points per game on 37 percent shooting. He’s shooting just 28 percent from three-point range during that time. Per Begley, the Knicks starting two-guard has only made five of his last 44 attempts from beyond the arc.
Tim Hardaway Jr. expresses frustration after going 0-for-8 from behind the arc vs. Philly. He's 5-for-44 from beyond the arc in NYK's last 7 games. pic.twitter.com/G6rkOrrAWz
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) February 13, 2018
Give Shimmy credit, although its part of his job, he has not put the blame on anyone but himself. Every shooter goes through slumps, and the only way get out is to keep shooting.
The good news may come in the form of the Knicks next opponent on Valentine’s Day. Per Nbastats.com during the 2016-2017 season, when facing the Washington Wizards, Hardaway Jr. averaged 18 points per game on 50 percent shooting while shooting 40 percent from three-point range.
Like most Knicks, Hardaway Jr. may be looking towards the All-Star break to reset himself, get away from the game for a bit, and reflect on what has largely been an inconsistent season. He has plenty of time to right the ship, and it is important that he does so, in order to end the season the right note.
