The Miami Heat have won two straight by double digits, and that’s helped steady the conversation around an offense that looked shaky early. But one offseason move is already drawing heat of its own: Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a rough fit through the first six games, and the contrast with Anfernee Simons is hard to ignore.
Hardaway Jr. has opened the season averaging just six points while shooting 30 percent from the field and 24 percent from 3-point range. For a player brought in to give Miami some punch off the bench, that’s a brutal start. He’s been one of the biggest disappointments on the roster, and while several other Heat players have shaken off their early slumps, he’s still searching for any kind of rhythm.
The numbers only make the comparison sting more. Simons, now with the Philadelphia 76ers, has averaged 11 points per game through his first six outings while shooting 41 percent from deep.
Hardaway Jr. has made six total 3-pointers this season. Simons has knocked down 11 in his last two games and 16 overall.
At the beginning of free agency, Miami and Hardaway Jr. came together quickly on a deal. It was also reported that the Heat were not willing to offer Simons more than the veteran’s minimum, a price point they were prepared to meet for Hardaway Jr.
Simons eventually landed with the Sixers, and Miami moved on. Based on the early returns, though, it’s fair to question whether the Heat chose the wrong guard.
The issue isn’t just missed shots. Hardaway Jr. has also struggled defensively, and that has limited his overall value.
His season-low 12 minutes against the Pacers said plenty about where things stand right now. Klay had it going in that game, which was part of the reason for the reduced run, but Hardaway Jr.’s recent play clearly factored in as well.
Miami brought him in to stabilize the second unit. After a strong Sixth Man of the Year case a season ago, the expectation was that he’d provide instant offense and help ease the team’s shooting concerns. Instead, he’s added to them.
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