The Denver Nuggets added Tim Hardaway Jr. this offseason. Hardaway has been inconsistent at times in his career, but adding him to the roster could be a true difference-maker for Denver during the 2025-26 NBA season.
The 33-year-old played at a respectable level in 2024-25 with the Detroit Pistons. Detroit reached the postseason and enjoyed a strong overall campaign, but Hardaway's contributions may have been overlooked. The Pistons understood how valuable he was to the offense, though. The veteran recorded 11 points per game on 40.6 percent shooting from the field and 36.8 percent from beyond the arc.
However, Hardaway's ability to shoot the three-ball at a respectable rate isn't the only point worth making here. Rather, it's Hardaway's microwave three-point shooting prowess. When he heats up and gets locked in, Hardaway's long-range shooting can completely change the dynamic of a game.
Wouldn't Hardaway's skill set play on most teams, though? Why is he such a good fit for specifically the Nuggets?
Nikola Jokic and Tim Hardaway Jr.'s potential
There are plenty of point guards in the NBA who can find the open man at a consistent rate. In recent years, we have seen the point forward gain steam. There aren't any players who can do what Nikola Jokic does on the floor, however.
Jokic may be the best passer in the NBA. No, not just among centers, but in the entire NBA as aforementioned. He features elite court awareness and is more than capable of hitting a cutting teammate driving toward the basket. Additionally, Jokic is excellent at finding teammates who have room to shoot from behind the three-point line.
Hardaway may come off the bench in Denver, but he will likely still spend time on the floor alongside Jokic. The Nuggets' MVP will be able to find Hardaway consistently, which will be especially dangerous for opponents when Hardaway is on his game.
Hardaway is going to have nights where he simply does not have his shot. He isn't the most consistent player. When he is locked in, though, the Nuggets are going to benefit in a big way.
Tim Hardaway Jr.'s microwave ability could end up being the difference in a few playoff games as well. Adding him this offseason was overlooked by many, but it could end up being one of the more underrated and impactful moves of the offseason as Denver hopes to make another postseason run.