Most Denver Nuggets fans will concur that adding Tim Hardaway Jr. last summer on a one-year, minimum deal was a master stroke from the front office. The veteran has outplayed his contract and could find himself in demand this coming summer. The question is whether Hardaway Jr. and the Nuggets will agree to terms to extend their union.
Some folks might still be wondering how Denver ended up securing his services for such a low price after helping the Detroit Pistons land the Eastern Conference's No. 6 seed as a starter. Granted, he went invisible in the playoffs, shooting just 33.8 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from three, as the Pistons were eliminated 4-2 in the first round.
Still, there was no indication that the then-33-year-old marksman was so washed that no teams would be willing to sign him to a multi-year or above-minimum contract. Or maybe he really had no plans of going elsewhere, saying in the offseason that the Nuggets' unselfish style of play lured him up to the Mile High City.
THJ's value to the Nuggets cannot be overstated
Fast forward to today, Hardaway Jr. has proven to be key to the squad's hopes of lifting the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy this year. There's a reason the Nuggets' offense continues to pace the entire league despite several rotation players spending time on the injured list.
The former first-round pick is one of seven Nuggets players averaging double-digits in scoring, and his 2.8 3-pointers per game rank second only to Jamal Murray's 3.1 long-distance makes per contest. It's also worth noting that Hardaway Jr. has yet to finish a campaign shooting 40 percent or better from three. That could change in a few weeks' time, as he has connected on 40.3 percent of his attempts from downtown this year.
If it isn't already clear, Hardaway Jr. looks like he can continue to thrive in a sixth-man or a bench role in the right offensive system.
Try to use him as a primary shot-creator and high-volume shooter, and he might revert to his inefficient shot-chucking self. Instead, he is best utilized as a floor-spacing spark plug for stars like Nikola Jokic and Murray and an occasional first option for reserve units.
Should THJ return to Denver?
Perhaps Hardaway Jr. would be willing to take less than the market value to remain with the Nuggets beyond this season, especially if winning a championship is his top priority.
However, it wouldn't be surprising if some teams decide to send him an offer that he cannot refuse. After turning 34 this March, Hardaway Jr.'s window to land a lucrative deal is closing fast, and there is a possibility that he could seek one last massive payday before he either calls it quits early or takes on yearly minimum contracts during his final years in the NBA.
Thinking ahead to the offseason might not be in the Nuggets' best interest.
But it's tough to shake off the feeling that a roster shakeup is inevitable, depending, of course, on how the rest of the 2025-26 season plays out, and due to the looming financial crunch brought about by the impending free agency of Peyton Watson and Christian Braun's extension kicking in. Hardaway Jr. might unfortunately end up being a one-and-done in Denver.