The Denver Nuggets signed Tim Hardaway Jr. to a one-year veteran minimum contract this offseason, but they will have second thoughts when the playoffs roll around. THJ is a streaky shooter, but many would argue landing a starter on a playoff team at the minimum is a steal. He will help the Nuggets win regular-season games before the wheels absolutely fall off when the games matter most.
Denver significantly upgraded their roster this offseason, despite looking trapped. They traded Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson before adding Bruce Brown, Jonas Valanciunas, and Hardaway Jr. to provide depth. Nikola Jokic gives the Nuggets a legitimate shot at the championship, but the front office should have targeted playoff risers.
Hardaway Jr. is an absolute bucket. He can score 14 points every night during the regular season as a floor spacer and gunner. Fans will get frustrated when the shots aren’t falling, but the 33-year-old just helped the Pistons snap their five-year playoff drought. He started 77 games last season, and his playoff warts returned when Detroit needed him most.
The Nuggets will regret Tim Hardaway Jr. signing in the playoffs
THJ has played in the playoffs six times in his 12 NBA seasons. He missed the Mavericks' entire 2022 run to the conference finals recovering from a foot injury. Hardaway Jr. has played in the second round just twice. In the Mavs' 2024 run to the NBA Finals, he was in-and-out of the rotation, including multiple DNP-CDs.
When he has played, the production leaves plenty to be desired. Hardaway Jr. averages 9.5 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 assist in 23.3 minutes per game, while shooting 37.4 percent from the field and 32.8 percent on his 3-point tries. His offensive efficiency plummets, and the 6’5 wing’s defensive struggles have his team looking for other options.
Hardaway Jr. has played 48 playoff games and been in the NBA since 2014. The 33-year-old is what he is at this point in his career. Defenses stiffen in the playoffs, which will limit his effectiveness. They will force him into more contested jumpers and watch his production dip.
The Nuggets will likely wish they had gone in a different direction come playoff time. Head coach David Adelman will be searching for answers and may have to rely too heavily on his starters. It will not be ideal, and Hardaway’s playoff struggles could be what ultimately sinks the Nuggets' hopes of winning a second title with Nikola Jokic.
Tim Hardaway Jr. has plenty of warts, but the Denver Nuggets still can’t believe he signed for the minimum. The veteran is clearly eager to chase a championship, but he must buy-in on defense and make shots. Those are easier said than done.
Expect THJ to have some monster nights and head-scratching moments. Ultimately, Nuggets fans will hope to forget after he struggles mightily in the playoffs. That is the THJ experience.