One of the league’s best point guards in his prime, Tim Hardaway is a retired NBA player who played for the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers throughout his 14-year career. He was selected as the 14th pick in the first round of the 1989 NBA Draft by the Warriors. With the Warriors, Tim was part of “Run TMC”, which was the high-scoring trio of himself, Mitch Richmond, and Chris Mullin. As part of the Warriors’ attack, Hardaway was responsible for leading Run TMC’s fast break, he played for the Warriors until the middle of 1995–96 season when he was traded to the Miami Heat along with Chris Gatling.
In his best seasons, Hardaway averaged 18 to 23 points and 8 to 10 assists per game. He reached 5,000 points and 2,500 assists faster than any other NBA player, except Oscar Robertson. Hardaway also competed in five NBA All-Star Games. He was once the Miami Heat’s all-time leader in assists, and together with center Alonzo Mourning led the Heat to some of the franchise’s best seasons. Tim was an MVP candidate following the 1996–97 season, making it to the All-NBA First Team after leading the Heat to the best record in franchise history while averaging 20.3 points, 8.6 assists, and being fourth in the league with 203 three-point baskets. In 1991–92, Hardaway became the 7th player in NBA history to average 20 points and 10 assists in a season, a feat he accomplished again in 1992–93.
Before going pro, Tim attended college and played at the University of Texas-El Paso. At UTEP Tim established what would become his signature move: his devastating crossover dribble (dubbed the “UTEP Two-step” by television analysts), a move which he helped to popularize among younger players. Also during his successful college career, Tim won the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as the best college player six feet tall or under. Tim represented his country as a member of the USA Olympic basketball team at the Sydney Olympics in 2000.
