Dallas Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr. will have surgery next week

Dallas Mavericks guard Tim Hardaway Jr. announced that he will undergo left leg surgery next week. Get the latest on his injury here.

The Dallas Mavericks acquired Tim Hardaway Jr. as part of the Kristaps Porzingis trade with the New York Knicks. THJ was playing well in New York and averaging 19.1 points per game at the time of the trade. The Knicks want to rid themselves of Hardaway’s guaranteed $18.1 million contract for next season plus a player option in 2021.

Things went a bit downhill for him after joining the Mavs. Hardaway Jr. saw his playing time drop to under 30 minutes per game. That, in turn, knocked his scoring down to 15.5 a night. THJ also struggled with his 3-point shot only hitting 32.1 percent over his 19 games.

He was ruled out for the season on March 21 meaning Hardaway Jr. missed the final 11 games of the season. The reason was a stress reaction in his left leg.

THJ gave an update during his exit interview on April 11 which fans can read below thanks to Eddie Sefko.

Dwain Price wrote a fantastic piece on Mavs.com about the news which fans can read here. In it, Hardaway Jr. admits to playing through the injury the entire season which is a testament to him.

Expect Tim Hardaway Jr. to be healthy in training camp and vying for a starting spot next season. He could shift to a sixth man role depending on who the Mavericks acquire this summer via free agency and trade.

Final thoughts

Dallas Maverick guard Tim Hardaway Jr. is set to undergo surgery next week to heel a stress reaction in his left tibia. Seth Curry underwent a similar surgery in Feb. 2018 and returned to play 74 games with the Blazers this season.

The Mavericks need Hardaway Jr. to improve his 3-point shooting this offseason. Over the last two seasons, he has shot 32.9 percent on 887 attempts. THJ is a career 34.3 percent shooter, though. He should see a bit of added room with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis opening the floor next season. Hardaway Jr. becoming a league average 3-point shooter improves the Mavs offense.

Stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest on Tim Hardaway Jr’s injury and everything Dallas Mavericks this offseason.