The Dallas Mavericks Suffer Blow with Tim Hardaway Jr.’s Foot Injury
The Dallas Mavericks were dealt a major setback when forward Tim Hardaway Jr. sustained a foot injury during a game against the Golden State Warriors. The injury occurred in the second quarter when Hardaway drove to the hoop for a layup and fell in an awkward manner, fracturing the fifth metatarsal on his left foot. Despite the pain, Hardaway managed to shoot and make two free throws before needing assistance to leave the floor.
Teammate Luka Doncic expressed his sympathy for Hardaway, acknowledging how disappointing and sad it is to suffer an injury. The extent of the injury was confirmed through X-rays, revealing the broken metatarsal. Prior to exiting the game, Hardaway had contributed 10 points to the team’s effort.
Implications for the Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks currently hold the fifth seed in the Western Conference with a record of 27-21. Unfortunately, losing Hardaway is a significant blow as he is not only a key starter but also the team’s fourth-best scorer. With his injury, the Mavericks’ odds to win the 2022 NBA championship stand at +4000. In their division, the Southwest Division, the Mavericks face tough competition from the Memphis Grizzlies (-400), who currently hold the third seed in the conference.
Hardaway’s Contributions and Potential Replacements
Throughout the season, Hardaway has been a valuable asset for the Mavericks, averaging 14.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He has started in 20 out of the 42 appearances he has made this season. Head coach Jason Kidd will likely replace him in the starting lineup with Dorian Finney-Smith, who currently averages 10.2 points per game. Additionally, Reggie Bullock, with an average of 6.2 points per game, may see increased playing time in light of Hardaway’s absence.
Hardaway’s Career Journey
Tim Hardaway Jr. was initially drafted by the New York Knicks in the late first round of the 2013 NBA Draft. He provided a scoring spark off the bench for the Knicks before being traded to the Atlanta Hawks after two seasons. In 2017, Hardaway returned to the Knicks after signing a four-year contract worth $71 million. During his second stint, he started in 100 games and achieved a career-high average of 19.1 points per game in the 2018-19 season. However, the Knicks eventually traded him to the Mavericks in a deal involving Kristaps Porzingis.
Potential Trade Considerations for the Mavericks
With Hardaway sidelined due to the injury, the Mavericks might explore acquiring additional support before the trade deadline. Myles Turner has been mentioned in trade rumors, but the team could also express interest in players like Marcus Smart, Dennis Schroder, or Eric Gordon.
The Impact of Tim Hardaway Sr. and the Run-TMC Era
Tim Hardaway Jr. comes from a basketball lineage, as his father, Tim Hardaway Sr., was a former NBA star. Hardaway Sr. was a five-time All-Star known for his impressive crossover-dribble move. He played for the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, and Indiana Pacers, leaving a lasting impact on each team.
During the early 1990s, Hardaway Sr. played for the Warriors alongside Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin. This exciting era, named Run-TMC, provided fans with an up-tempo style of play that contrasted with the defensive-oriented nature of the league at that time. The Warriors, under head coach Don Nelson, emphasized a fast-paced game and showcased a glimpse of the future of basketball.
The Conclusion
The Dallas Mavericks face a significant challenge with the loss of Tim Hardaway Jr. and his contributions on both ends of the court. However, the team will need to regroup and find suitable replacements to maintain their position in the competitive Western Conference. The injury presents an opportunity for other players to step up and fill the void left by Hardaway’s absence.
FAQs
1. How long is Tim Hardaway Jr. expected to be out with his foot injury?
As of now, there is no specific timeline for Tim Hardaway Jr.’s return. The nature of his injury and the required recovery period will determine when he can resume playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
2. Who will replace Tim Hardaway Jr. in the starting lineup?
Head coach Jason Kidd is likely to insert Dorian Finney-Smith into the starting lineup in place of Tim Hardaway Jr. Finney-Smith is expected to take on an expanded role and contribute to the team’s offensive and defensive efforts.
3. How will Tim Hardaway Jr.’s absence impact the Dallas Mavericks’ playoff chances?
Tim Hardaway Jr.’s absence will undoubtedly have an impact on the Dallas Mavericks’ playoff chances. His scoring ability and overall contributions on the court will be missed. However, the team will need to adapt and rely on other players to step up in order to maintain their position in the competitive Western Conference.
4. Are the Dallas Mavericks planning to make any trades to address the void left by Tim Hardaway Jr.’s injury?
With Tim Hardaway Jr.’s injury, it is possible that the Dallas Mavericks might explore trades to acquire additional help before the trade deadline. Myles Turner, Marcus Smart, Dennis Schroder, and Eric Gordon have been mentioned as potential targets to bolster the team’s roster.
5. How has Tim Hardaway Jr.’s career progressed since joining the Dallas Mavericks?
Since joining the Dallas Mavericks, Tim Hardaway Jr. has established himself as a valuable contributor to the team. He has provided consistent scoring, rebounding, and playmaking throughout his tenure with the Mavericks. Despite the setback of his injury, Hardaway Jr. has proven to be an important piece of the team’s success.