Tim Hardaway Jr. Is Quietly Powering the Nuggets’ Bench-and Making a Strong Case for Sixth Man of the Year
While Nikola Jokić’s MVP campaign continues to dominate headlines, there’s another storyline unfolding in Denver that deserves some spotlight: Tim Hardaway Jr.’s case for Sixth Man of the Year. The veteran guard has been a steadying force for a Nuggets team that’s had more than its share of injury trouble this season. And as the postseason picture starts to take shape, Hardaway’s value off the bench could be a difference-maker.
Let’s start with the basics: Hardaway has played in 54 of Denver’s 55 games this season, starting just five of them-and that’s by design. Head coach David Adelman has leaned on Hardaway as the leader of the second unit, preferring to give younger wings like Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther run with the starting group. That decision has paid dividends, with Hardaway providing a consistent scoring punch and veteran presence in a season where consistency has been hard to come by.
He’s averaging 14.1 points per game-slightly above his career average of 13.7-but it’s not just the raw scoring that tells the story. His offensive rating of 120.4 ranks 13th in the NBA, which is impressive on its own.
But here’s the kicker: it only ranks seventh on his own team. That’s how potent the Nuggets’ offense has been this year.
Still, Hardaway’s efficiency and ability to produce in limited minutes make him a key cog in that machine.
He’s also come through in the clutch. Whether it's hitting big threes in tight games or providing a steady hand when the offense needs a lift, THJ has delivered. He’s not just filling minutes-he’s impacting outcomes.
Navigating the Chaos
Denver’s season has been defined by injuries. The rotation has been in flux, with players constantly shifting in and out of the lineup.
Through it all, Hardaway has been the one constant. As the anchor of the bench unit, he’s had to adjust on the fly-playing alongside different combinations of teammates night after night.
The Nuggets have already lost over 100 games to injury, but Hardaway’s availability and adaptability have helped keep the second unit afloat.
Despite never winning the Sixth Man of the Year award, he’s no stranger to the conversation. He’s received votes in 2014, 2017, 2021, and 2024, but his highest finish was fifth. This year, with his production, leadership, and the role he’s played in keeping Denver’s bench competitive, he’s putting together a case that might be hard to ignore.
Rotation Questions Loom as Health Returns
For the first time in what feels like months, the Nuggets are inching closer to full strength. That’s good news for their playoff hopes, but it does raise some questions about the rotation moving forward.
Peyton Watson is expected back from a hamstring injury in early March, and Aaron Gordon will be eased back into action around the same time. When Gordon returns to the starting lineup, Adelman will have to make some decisions.
The most likely scenario? Gordon gets slightly reduced minutes to ease him back in, with Watson and Hardaway continuing to play significant roles off the bench.
And that’s where Hardaway’s value becomes even more apparent. No matter who’s in or out of the lineup, he’s been the steady hand-logging around 25 minutes a night and giving the Nuggets exactly what they need: scoring, spacing, and veteran savvy.
The Bottom Line
Tim Hardaway Jr. might not be the flashiest name in the Sixth Man of the Year race, but he’s been one of the most reliable. In a season where Denver has needed someone to hold things down while the stars get healthy, Hardaway has answered the call. And if the Nuggets are going to make another deep playoff run, don’t be surprised if THJ plays a pivotal role-not just as a bench scorer, but as a stabilizing force in a team that’s finally getting back to full strength.