At the 2013 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks selected Tim Hardaway Jr. with the 24th overall pick. After just two years, Hardaway Jr. was traded to the Atlanta Hawks.

Following a career year with the Hawks where he averaged 14.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, Hardaway Jr. found himself back with the Knicks after signing a four-year, $71 million deal in free agency. With the Knicks being criticized for signing him after just trading him, Hardaway Jr. had a message according to Marc Berman of New York Post:

“At this point, I really couldn’t care less,” Hardaway said of the July media/fan backlash. “People need to move on and move forward with that. That’s in the past. We got to get ready for the season. If they’re still harping on that, their mind’s on something else. I’m focused on the team and here to win. I know my teammates and coaching staff and everybody in that front office has to have faith and trust in me that I’m going to go out there and do everything to help the team win.

“My expectation is for this team to make the playoffs.”

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Heading into his fifth season, Hardaway Jr. has improved since his first stint with the Knicks. While many were surprised by the contract, he is looking to help New York in this new era without Carmelo Anthony, who was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

As Hardaway Jr. expects to make the playoffs in the weakened Eastern Conference, all the attention will be on Kristaps Porzingis. Still only 22 years old, Porzingis is one of the league's rising stars, but will need to show his ability as the team's first option and leader.