Name: Tim Hardaway Jr.
Age: 21
Height: 6-foot-5
Position: Shooting Guard
School/Country: Michigan
Latest Stats: 14.5 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 2.4 apg
Tim Hardaway Jr. has NBA bloodlines and after three seasons at Michigan, the 6-foot-5 shooting guard has decided to enter his name into the 2013 NBA Draft. Hardaway Jr. and the Wolverines are coming off their best season in nearly 20 years, making a run to the National Championship game this past April. Following another solid season, Hardaway Jr.’s decision to enter the name and forgo his final season of collegiate eligibility really comes as no surprise.
Hardaway Jr. proved his ability to consistently score the basketball in each of his three years at Michigan. He has good size and great athleticism for the shooting guard position and he will need to continue to taking advantage of his offensive skill set if he hopes to have a lengthy NBA career. Hardaway Jr. is a hard worker and he loves to compete, two added characteristics that could make him a valuable commodity at the professional level.
Hardaway Jr. should expect to hear his name called this June anywhere between the late first and early second rounds of the NBA Draft.
Strengths: Hardaway Jr. is a proven, productive shooting guard who can score in a variety of ways thanks to some great athleticism. He can step out and hit the three or attack the rim and get to the free throw line. Hardaway Jr. is used to play a high number of minutes, so there shouldn’t be any doubt as to his ability to contribute right in the rotation for some NBA organization right away.
Weaknesses: Hardaway Jr. has proven his ability to produce offensively, but that doesn’t mean he can’t refine his game even more so. The 6-foot-5 shooting guard lacks the overall ability to create his own shot and that’s something that he must improve upon. In addition, Hardaway Jr. didn’t help his draft stock much this past spring during the Wolverines’ run to the National Championship game, a missed opportunity for this NBA prospect.
Draft Projection: Late First, Early Second
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
