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Nuggets' Bench Suffers Blow: Hardaway Jr. Departs
20 Aug
Summary
- Tim Hardaway Jr., a key bench scorer, left the Nuggets for the Miami Heat.
- His departure significantly impacts the Nuggets' top-ranked three-point shooting.
- Rookie Julian Strawther is the primary candidate to fill his role.
The Denver Nuggets have experienced a quiet 2026 offseason, marked by the notable departure of Tim Hardaway Jr. The veteran guard, who finished third in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season, has signed a one-year deal worth approximately $6 million with the Miami Heat.
Hardaway Jr.'s exit is expected to severely impact the Nuggets' offensive capabilities. Last season, Denver led the NBA in three-point percentage, with Hardaway Jr. excelling in wide-open three-point shooting. He was also the second-leading scorer from beyond the arc for the Nuggets.
To compensate for Hardaway Jr.'s departure, the Nuggets are looking to Julian Strawther, their only backup shooting guard. Strawther has shown flashes of sharpshooting talent, but his ability to consistently perform at the level Hardaway Jr. did remains unproven.
The loss of Hardaway Jr. represents a substantial blow to Denver's secondary unit, with potential further concerns if Peyton Watson also leaves the team this offseason.
