Dallas Mavericks: Tim Hardaway Jr. discusses his role and more

Dallas Mavericks wing Tim Hardaway Jr. talks about his role, the restart, and more

The Dallas Mavericks have surprised a lot of people this season. Most pegged them as a fringe playoff team. The Mavericks nearly had a spot locked up when play was halted. Tim Hardaway Jr. has played a massive role in the success.

The 28-year-old has transformed into an elite catch and shoot option this season. Hardaway Jr. could always score and play solid defense. Sharing the floor with Luka Doncic has brought the best out of him. Fans can read more about their connection from earlier this season here.

The Mavericks are gearing up for the season’s restart with individual workouts. They are also having a daily virtual press conference. Today, Hardaway Jr. took his turn.

Dallas Mavericks wing Tim Hardaway Jr. talks about the restart, his role, and more

See THJ discuss his decision to take part in the NBA’s restart below.

Hardaway Jr. responded to the question of if he saw this a breakout year for him.

"“I think it is me reminiscing about my time when I was in Atlanta. Very similar situation with the star power that we had on the floor with Paul Millsap, Al Horford, Dwight Howard, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Korver, all those guys. It is me just going out there and trying to play my role and do the best I can at it. I’m just trying to do whatever I can to make the two guys on our team lives as easy as possible out there on the floor.”"

There was a follow up about him seeing himself as the number three behind Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. Hardaway Jr. had this to say about it.

"“At this point, I just want to win. I don’t care. I am just trying to get out there and produce the best I can. Do my job and control what I can control out there on the floor. Everybody forgets Seth (Curry) started the season for us. He did an amazing job. It does not matter if I am the third or fourth or when one of those guys are out I’m the first or second, I am just out here trying to do the best I can to make everybody’s job a lot easier. I am happy in the role I am in right now."

Hardaway Jr. also had this to say about the advice he will give Luka and KP going into the playoffs.

"“Things I will tell them, control what you can control out there on the court. There is going to be a lot of calls not going your way that you may get during the regular season. There are some things you will get away with. At the end of the day, you have to know what you have to do out there on the floor and you can’t lose focus…You just got to make sure you are out there playing as hard as you can and out there enjoying it.”"

THJ added more about the importance of adjustments and defense in a playoff series.

Hardaway Jr. also talked about what it was like to be away from his teammates and so much more. Fans can watch his entire press conference here.

Expect Hardaway Jr. and the Mavericks to be ready for Orlando. The team has its sights set on more than snapping their playoff drought. They want to make a run in the playoffs and prove they are one of the NBA’s elite teams. That is easier said than done especially in the unique environment in Orlando.

Stay tuned for more news, opinions, and analysis on the Dallas Mavericks during the restart and beyond.