Tim Hardaway Jr. defends Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving after his father questions their leadership
NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. didn’t mince his words when discussing what he sees as the problem with the Dallas Mavericks, the team that his son Tim Hardaway Jr. currently plays for.
Hardaway Sr. directed his criticism at Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic’s leadership saying the superstar pair weren’t given the Mavs what they needed.
“That trade wasn’t for them, what isn’t broken doesn’t need to be fixed. They’re missing a leader out there. Luka is not a leader, Kyrie is not a leader.”
The Mavs are currently fighting for their playoff lives over the last two games of the NBA season, hoping to sneak into the playoffs with some help from the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Hardaway Jr. responded to his father’s criticism in a statement to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon and Dallas Morning News’ Callie Caplan.
“I disagree with it 1,000%. I’ve come out numerous of times and told you all how much leadership Luka has shown throughout my entire time here in Dallas,” said Hardaway Jr, “Kyrie has been nothing [other] than a leader since he’s been here.”
The Mavs next game will be against the Chicago Bulls on Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT at American Airlines Center (Bally Sports Southwest).
This story was originally published April 6, 2023 at 11:09 AM.
