After finishing with the worst record in the NBA last season, it was a summer of change for the Detroit PistonsTrajan Langdon was named head coach, Monty Williams was relieved of his duties as head coach, and many veterans were added to the roster.
In early July, Langdon completed a trade with the Dallas Mavericks to acquire Tim Hardaway Jr. and second-round picks in exchange for Quentin Grimes. Along with Tobias Harris and Malik Beasley, he will help bolster the veteran presence around the Pistons’ young core.
With just over a month to go until training camp begins, Hardaway Jr. already appears to be preparing for next season. Videos of the point guard working out in the gym have recently surfaced on social media.
Tim Hardaway Jr. works out at the gym this morning. pic.twitter.com/snby0siw4t
— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) August 14, 2024
Hardaway Jr., 31, is still a productive backup guard after more than a decade in the NBA. Last season with the Dallas Mavericks, he averaged 14.4 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game and 1.8 assists per game. He’s also efficient from the field, shooting 35.3 percent from three-point range on nearly eight attempts per game.
Floor spacing was an issue for the Pistons last season, and Langdon solved that problem this offseason. Having a high-volume shooter like THJ on the court should help Cade Cunningham open things up on offense.
For the Pistons, Hardaway Jr. is likely to be replaced by JB Bickerstaff. With no backup point guard added to the roster, Marcus Sasser is likely to take over that role after taking it late last season. Since Hardaway Jr. has plenty of experience with the ball, he could share ball-handling duties with the young point guard to make things easier for him as he continues to develop.
