Draft Profile: Tim Hardaway Jr., Doesn't Mind Shooting

In the run-up to the 2013 NBA Draft on June 27, the BDD staff will be profiling several projected lottery picks and other draft entrants. Next up: Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway Jr., was the second-best player on the second-best team in college basketball last year. (annarbor.com)

Position: Shooting Guard
College: Michigan
Draft Express Prediction: No. 25 in the first round, No. 25 overall to the Los Angeles Clippers

Synopsis: The junior son of NBA player Tim Hardaway was the second-best player on a Michigan team that played in the national championship game, but was overshadowed a bit due to the play of point guard Trey Burke. Hardaway Jr., averaged 14.2 points per game last season, second most on the team, while showing impressive athletic ability.

The issue with Hardaway comes with shot selection. It took the guard 12.2 shots to average his 14 points and he only averaged 5.2 makes per game, for a 42.9 percentage from the floor. Hardaway has improved with his percentage off catch-and-shoot opportunities every year of his college career, but he has regressed in pull-up jumpers and runners around the rim.

(draftexpress.com)

Even if Hardaway Jr., takes a few bad shots a game, his confidence in his shot is always high, something that will be a benefit for him in the NBA. At 6'6" and 199 pounds, Hardaway Jr., is a big two-guard with a 37.5-inch vertical who is athletic enough to make plays around the rim for easy baskets. If Hardaway Jr., can improve his shooting, he has the build and athleticism to succeed as a guard in the NBA.

Quote to Note: "He has the pedigree, the positional size and the basketball instincts to play in the NBA for a long time, even as a solid role player. People in the Michigan basketball program have told me that he already handles himself like a 10-year pro" - Fran Frascilla on Hardaway Jr., being the most underrated player in the draft.

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