Atlanta Hawks – Tim Hardaway Jr.
A couple weeks ago when exploring potential solutions to fix some of the Jazz’s nagging frontcourt issues, I suggested that they look into former Jazzman Paul Millsap who at the time was reportedly on the trading block. The Hawks since then have adamantly said they are no longer looking to trade Millsap, but one guy that is supposedly available is Tim Hardaway Jr.
Hardaway has been solid all season, putting up an average of 13.1 points per game, but he’s been even better recently with significantly increased minutes in January and February.
In 15 games last month he averaged 14.5 points on 46 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent from deep. So far in February he’s been even better, elevating his points per game to a whopping 19.5 on 48.2 percent field goal shooting while still maintaining a solid three-point percentage of 39.2 percent.
With the Jazz struggling to find shooting guard consistency with Rodney Hood and Alec Burks and in need of another reliable shooter, Hardaway could fit the bill extremely well. He’s also a solid defender and just 24-years-old so he has plenty of upside.
He’s also been the subject of many trade rumors floating around the web as his improved play may very well make it hard for the Hawks to pay him this offseason once his rookie contract expires. The Jazz, however, have ample cap space for the time being and especially if they look to part with one of their own shooting guards, could very well make use of Hardaway’s talents.
Honorable Mention – Paul Millsap