Nearly everyone imitated Michael Jordan with a basketball in the backyard or at the playground. We all had fantasy moments being “Like Mike.” Or Kobe Bryant. LeBron James. I want to know the more uncommon player you pretended being while doing their signature move.
Maybe it was trying to mimic Jason Williams’ handles, Or Ray Allen’s shooting stroke. Perhaps something you watched continuously and added to your game. Drop a comment on who you imagined being.
The guy I tried to handle like: Tim Hardaway
For me it was Tim Hardaway. He was a guy I tried to mimic particularly with his handles. There were plenty of others, but he sticks out as a more uncommon one. Not that Hardaway wasn’t a great player, but he played in an era with Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird.
Hardaway wasn’t a great athlete. He was barely 6-foot. His jumper wasn’t pretty. Yet Hardaway was a supreme ball-handler, quick defender, orchestrated his team and was a terrific leader. He averaged 17.7 points, 8.2 assists and 1.6 steals per game over a 14-year career.
Tim Hardaway created the first real ankle-breaker
Before Allen Iverson’s killer crossover, there was Tim Hardaway. Hardaway was really the first to start the ankle-breaking move.
Tim Hardaway’s killer crossover! UTEP Two-Step 🔥
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) September 10, 2022
In fact, Steph Curry called Hardaway’s “Killer Crossover” the greatest signature move ever.
Few moves inspired the past & present like Tim Hardaway's "Killer Crossover" 💥#22HoopClass pic.twitter.com/0Q0Lh2m6tM
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) September 9, 2022
I remember at recess playing 2-on-2 and being Hardaway and my friend being Alonzo Mourning, running the pick-and-roll.
Hardaway never seemed to get the love he deserved, yet another player overlooked in the Michael Jordan era.
But he was box office for the Golden State Warriors for six seasons, then the rock of the gritty Miami Heat for six more years. He made five All-Star to go with five All-NBA teams and won a gold medal with the 2000 U.S. Olympic Team.
Tim Hardaway's "Killer Crossover" is one of the most iconic basketball moves ever! #22HoopClass pic.twitter.com/DVwiyU8to3
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 8, 2022
Hardaway “Two-stepped” and “Killer Crossover-ed” to the HOF
Despite not being widely considered as the best in the NBA, Hardaway made his mark on the NBA and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
I was too young to recall any of Hardaway’s Run TMC days in Golden State. However, I have watched highlights of those Warrior teams. Don Nelson implemented a run-and-gun game spurred by Hardaway that was unheard of at the time. Hardaway spearheaded the Big 3 “Run TMC” of himself, Mitch Richmond and Chris Mullin. In his first four seasons, Hardaway averaged 20.6 points and 9.7 assists per game.
Run TMC: A HOF Trio
Tim Hardaway: Class of 2022
Mitch Richmond: Class of 2014
Chris Mullin: Class of 2011 pic.twitter.com/blqYxY2uNy— NBA (@NBA) September 10, 2022
Hardaway never even reached the NBA Finals, but he was a phenomenal point guard. He had his moments in the postseason, despite never being able to reach the pinnacle.
Crossing-over and into the HOF!
Congratulations to 2022 @Hoophall inductee Tim Hardawaypic.twitter.com/FYzHRFpyOL
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 10, 2022
His signature playoff moment was Game 7 against the Knicks in the 1997 Eastern Conference semifinals. With Mourning in foul trouble, Hardaway took over in a reminiscent performance. He finished with 38 points, including six 3-pointers, as Miami moved on to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Who did you want to be?
We all had the guys we imitated. I could have listed a few more like Baron Davis. Who are some of the players you imitated as a childhood outside, on the playground or in the empty gym? Let me know in the comments.
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