The evolution of Tim Hardaway Jr. from trade throw-in to a ‘culture guy’ and leader for the Mavericks – The Dallas Morning News

Most of Luka Doncics answers to reporters questions after games are repetitive.

Hes either happy to win or upset the Mavericks lost. He accepts the latest praise from teammates, followers and opponents and appears unfazed by milestones and recognition.

But after the Mavericks 139-123 win Monday over the Timberwolves, Doncic strayed from his usual reserved interview demeanor to gush on one topic in particular:

Tim Hardaway Jr.

Hes probably one of the best catch-and-shoot guys in the league right now and hes really going underrated, Doncic said. Not a lot of media talks about him, but he should be. Hes really underrated.

Doncic wasnt the only Maverick pleased with Hardaways team-leading 23 points on Monday and his ascent from salary-dump trade inclusion to Dallas reserve to a key factor in the Mavericks leadership, especially while Doncic has struggled with right ankle injuries.

I just love the way he plays, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said. He goes hard, he cares about winning, and he is one of our leaders. Tim is about the right stuff. He is a culture guy, he gets onto teammates, and he cares. Guys like him arent growing on trees.

A year ago, it seemed unlikely Hardaway would be central to the Mavericks maintaining the NBAs highest rated offense scoring 116.5 points per 100 possessions, 2.8 points higher than second-place Houston.

Or that Hardaway would at times guard the opponents best player, as he did Monday against DAngelo Russell.

The Knicks included Hardaway last winter in the multi-player trade of Kristaps Porzingis to shed his salary ($18.15 million in 2019-20) in their now-failed pursuit of adding Kevin Durant and other notable free agents last summer.

Hardaway averaged 15.5 points in 19 games (17 starts) in a piecemeal lineup during the back-third of that lost Mavericks season before suffering a stress reaction in his left tibia and requiring season-ending surgery.

That contributed to why Hardaway didnt enter this campaign with expectations in the same soaring realm as Doncic and Porzingis. Hardaway played with the second unit for the first 13 games of the season and joined the starting lineup Nov. 20 only because Seth Curry was sick.

Perhaps thats all for the better now that the Mavericks are in position to clinch a postseason spot in the final 24 games of the season.

On the court, Hardaway understands his role as a starter: to make [Doncics] life easier [and] make KPs life easier. And when rotation patterns dictate Doncic and Porzingis sub at different times than Hardaway, Hardaway falls back in a rhythm with his original second-team running mates.

The transition has been especially helpful as Doncic has missed eight of the Mavericks last 11 games with a right ankle sprain and subsequent swelling. In the Mavericks last nine outings, Hardaway has averaged 21.8 points including twice recording 33 while shooting 50% from the floor and 47.1% from three.

And his veteran presence has been helpful in guiding the young Mavericks core toward the franchises first playoff berth since 2016. Hes vocal on defense, he directs players to the correct spots on offense and if guys dont feel like theyre getting enough touches or whatever the case may be, Hardaway offers this advice.

Get another stop on defense and you know you never know what happens on the offensive end. Next play down.

Those traits he learned in college at Michigan and honed in New York dont show in value through salary or in box scores.

Being a vocal guy out there on the floor, knocking down my shots once theyre given to me, Hardaway said, once Im doing that, everything else takes care of itself.

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The evolution of Tim Hardaway Jr. from trade throw-in to a 'culture guy' and leader for the Mavericks - The Dallas Morning News