Tim Hardaway Jr is finding success as a sharpshooting 3-and-D wing on the Nuggets, which is no surprise to Pistons fans. He was great in the same role for the Pistons last season, and they still haven't been able to fully replicate his two-way ability. Although the Pistons are playing better defenders this season, they are missing another reliable shooter with the same offensive impact as THJ.
Tim Hardaway Jr is a reliable veteran shooter
On the Nuggets, Hardaway is able to play to his strengths once again. He's excellent playing off elite playmakers like Cade Cunningham and Nikola Jokic because he's able to knock down open threes at a high clip. He can also create his own shot, especially from the outside, when needed.
The Pistons have Duncan Robinson as their primary shooter but they need to trade for or develop another player to provide spacing like Hardaway. In his 13th NBA season, one of Hardaway's biggest strengths is his confidence. He's willing to take semi-open threes even when he's not making them because it forces the defense to guard him tightly. He's earned the respect of opposing teams after the last dozen years of taking and making threes.
On the other end, Hardaway is not an elite lockdown defender but he can hold his own. At 6'5" and 205lbs, he uses his veteran experience to guard wings of all sizes. His surprising defensive contributions helped the Pistons end last season on a strong note after Jaden Ivey went down with injury. Now, his addition has helped Denver to a surprisingly respectable defensive rating.
Hardaway has been arguably the biggest offseason loss for the Pistons (aside from Malik Beasley, whose departure couldn't be prevented by the team). His veteran shooting elevated the offense in ways that the stat sheet and efficiency didn't fully capture. And his respectable defense was huge for elevating the Pistons to elite levels once Ausar Thompson returned to full health.
Fortunately, the Pistons have been able to weather THJ's absence by leaning even harder into defense and physicality. They have dominated teams in the paint on their way to a 19-5 start, but their lack of shooting could eventually catch up to them.
Opposing teams have already shown that they're willing to leave Pistons wings open from three to shut down Cade Cunningham. Robinson's shooting and well-timed cutting from others has countered this strategy, but adding even more shooting without sacrificing defense would be ideal.
At this point in his career, Tim Hardaway Jr has transformed himself into a great role player who fits well on nearly any contending team. He's got excellent ability in the NBA's most valuable role player skill and he'll continue to help teams win no matter where he goes.