20 Best NBA Draft Picks in Michigan Wolverines History
By Zac Snyder
Apr 13, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; New York Knicks guard
Jr. (5) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
20. player. 27. . Round 1. Pick 24 (2013). Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr’s decision to leave Michigan after his junior season was validated when he was drafted by the New York Knicks in the first round of the 2013 draft. It not only earned him a guaranteed contract as a first round pick, but put him in a situation where he could play right away.
Hardaway appeared in 81 games as a rookie, averaging just over 23 minutes per game. He was elevated to a spot-starter in his second year, making 30 starts while averaging 24 minutes per game.
He was a hot and cold shooter while at Michigan but has improved his three point shooting despite the longer line (.343 at Michigan, .353 in the NBA). He has also improved his free throw shooting, finishing better than .800 in both seasons, something he didn’t do in any of his three seasons as a Wolverine.
The NBA Draft is a crap shoot, even in the first round. Hardaway won’t be a star, but the Knicks could have done a lot worse. Of the 36 picks that came after Hardaway in the 2013 NBA Draft, only one player has put up a higher win share total through their first two NBA seasons.
Next: Number 19