Tim Hardaway Jr. Injury Update: No Mavs Comeback?

Recovery from foot surgery hasn't progressed enough for guard to return

Grant Afseth | Mar 22, 2022

The Dallas Mavericks have been without Tim Hardaway Jr. since the guard suffered a fracture in his foot Jan. 25. He has undergone surgery, which gave hope to a possible return this season.

Initially, it was thought Hardaway would be back if the Mavericks advanced past the first round of the playoffs. An interview he did with the Dallas Morning News reinforced that idea.

Mavericks Guard Tim Hardaway Jr.

Tim Hardaway Jr. Shoots Jump Shot

Tim Hardaway Jr. & Kristaps Porzingis

“I’ll say this: The further we go [in the playoffs], the better chance I have," Hardaway said. "That’s the answer I’ll give."

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd said Tuesday that Hardaway is "a ways away" and he doubts the veteran shooting guard will be available during the playoffs. Video of Hardaway at practice showed him getting jump shots up, but not yet sprinting.

He’s not running sprints, but good to see Tim Hardaway Jr. doing “basketball stuff.” pic.twitter.com/aqqWNnSced
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) March 22, 2022

There is less of an immediate need for the Mavs to get Hardaway back following the Kristaps Porzingis trade. The addition of Spencer Dinwiddie filling that role as a combo guard, either starting or coming off the bench, gives Dallas another playmaker with Luka Doncic and Jalen Brunson.

Hardaway would likely help the Mavs' depth and rotation if he's healthy. His ability to attack and spot-up shoot is a definite asset. The level of offensive firepower the Mavericks would have with Hardaway is intriguing, as well as how he'd fit with Dinwiddie.

Luka Doncic, Spencer Dinwiddie, Dallas Mavericks — Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Luka Doncic Hi-Fives Spencer Dinwiddie

Luka Doncic & Spencer Dinwiddie

Spencer Dinwiddie, Dallas Mavericks — Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Spencer Dinwiddie Drives vs. Rockets

There's also the possibility of the Mavericks trading Hardaway due to the logjam out on the perimeter with Dinwiddie. A healthy Hardaway makes for a better trade chip.

Hardaway has appeared in 42 games this season, averaging 14.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists.

Published Mar 22, 2022

GRANT AFSETH

Grant Afseth is a Dallas Mavericks reporter for MavericksGameday.com and an NBA reporter for NBA Analysis Network. He previously covered the Indiana Pacers and NBA for CNHI's Kokomo Tribune and various NBA teams for USA TODAY Sports Media Group. Follow him on Twitter (@grantafseth), Facebook (@grantgafseth), and YouTube (@grantafseth). You can reach Grant at grantafseth35@gmail.com.