Tim Hardaway Jr. on his health at Dallas Mavericks media day

The Dallas Mavericks started training camp with media day on Sept. 25, and it gave fans a chance to hear from head coach Jason Kidd and the players. They were anxiously awaiting for Tim Hardaway Jr. to give them an update on his health after suffering a season-ending foot injury in January. The 6’5 wing was on the bench supporting his teammates during the playoffs, but he was unable to return to court.

Coach Kidd said THJ had been back in Dallas for the last week competing in scrimmages, and Hardaway Jr. said he is “100 percent healthy and ready to go” when he took the podium. The 30-year-old appears to have no ill effects from the foot surgery, and he is eager to get back on the court in NBA action.

THJ is expected to come off the bench this season, but the Mavs need his scoring and shot-creation to fill the void left by Jalen Brunson’s departure in free agency. It was positive to hear that Hardaway Jr. is healthy, but what should fans expect in his second season under coach Kidd?

Tim Hardaway Jr. declares he is fully healthy at Dallas Mavericks media day

Hardaway Jr. also talked about his father being inducted into the Hall of Fame, and he had this to say about the league changing the rules regarding the Mavs conduct on the bench during the playoffs.

Hardaway Jr. struggled before the injury last season. The new ball and adjusting to the new coach staff were factors in the struggles, but THJ still scored 14.2 points per game. Will Hardaway Jr. bounce back this season? He shot 39.4 percent from 3-point range in the previous two seasons, and THJ will be looking to create a dynamic one-two punch with Christian Wood coming off the bench.

Depth should be a strength for the Dallas Mavericks this season as they look to go on another deep playoff run. Media day is just the beginning, so please stay tuned to The Smoking Cuban for all the latest.