Penny Hardaway seeking a comeback

[BooCocky]

I just heard on ESPN news that Penny has reached out to Miami about a possible return. Penny was last seen in 2007-2008 wearing a Heats jersey. Je didn't really play well, but he's been away from the game for a few years. So my question is will he be a good fit in Miami or is he too old?

I'm saying he is too old, he will be 39 years old and his last run in the NBA was bad. He's been plagued by injuries his entire career. So in my opinion this would be a bad signing. Even if it only costs Miami the league minimum. Penny pretty much became ineffective late in his career because all the injuries caught up to him. Don't get me wrong, Penny was a very good ball player, but that was 10+ years ago. Plus, who knows what kind of shape he is in? He's just trying to win a ring, even though he'd play such a small role. But ultimately, this would be a bad signing.

 

[jmt225]

Before I get to the point of this thread, first let me state that Penny Hardaway is the all-around greatest player I've ever seen play the game. Bold statement, I know, but man... this guy could do it all. He was LeBron James before any of us heard of LeBron James (except Penny was a superior shooter). It's really a shame how injuries plagued his career, because there's no telling what type of numbers he would have racked up for himself and how many championships he would have won, if he could have remained healthy.

For those too young to have seen Hardaway in his prime, check this out:

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Anyways, as you can tell, I'm a massive fan of the guy. Before Chris Webber went to the Kings and that franchise picked up, Penny Hardaway was basketball to me. So, with that said, as a fan of Penny, I say... what could it hurt Miami just to try him out? I mean, seriously... just give him a normal tryout and see if he can still go. He contributed a good bit in his final years, and if he's healthy and in shape... I'm POSITIVE Penny could be a solid back-up PG for the Heat, or maybe even a third string. Every team needs a solid vet on the bench, what's wrong with Penny Hardaway being that guy, if he's able to still go like he was in New York and his last run with Miami? I see nothing wrong with it.

 

[Big Sexy]

Even before the injuries he suffered Penny's numbers went down in Orlando once Shaq left. His career would have still been greater had he stayed healthy but JMT your statement is a way too bold. With all that said I don't see why they couldn't at least give him a tryout. If he shows he still has something then give him a minimum deal and have him earn his bench spot in training camp and the pre season.

 

[gd]

This can't end well. Hardaway hasn't even had a somewhat relevant season since 04. With the age and all the injuries, how do you expect him to contribute in 2010? I know he wants a ring, but Miami can't just be bringing guys out of retirement to build a team, and I don't think they will.

They may as well use the spot on some undrafted rookie who could help them, like Scheyer. If Hardaway really wants a ring, bring him on as an assistant coach or something.

 

[jmt225]

Even before the injuries he suffered Penny's numbers went down in Orlando once Shaq left. His career would have still been greater had he stayed healthy but JMT your statement is a way too bold.

That's because the season after Shaq left is when the injuries started happening to him. However, even still... Orlando still made the playoffs with him being the only great player on the team, and he even managed to force Miami to 5 games in the first round (remember this was the time where the first round was best out of 5), after scoring 42 points in game 3 and 41 in Game 4. You can't tell me that's not incredible.

And of course, it was the season after this where he got his first surgery and would never be the same again. Like I said, man... if it weren't for injuries, there's no telling what Anfernee Hardaway would have accomplished. It's truly one of the saddest stories in sports, if you ask me.

 

[Big Sexy]

That's because the season after Shaq left is when the injuries started happening to him. However, even still... Orlando still made the playoffs with him being the only great player on the team, and he even managed to force Miami to 5 games in the first round (remember this was the time where the first round was best out of 5), after scoring 42 points in game 3 and 41 in Game 4. You can't tell me that's not incredible.

And of course, it was the season after this where he got his first surgery and would never be the same again. Like I said, man... if it weren't for injuries, there's no telling what Anfernee Hardaway would have accomplished. It's truly one of the saddest stories in sports, if you ask me.

Now doubt he would have been great but to say he is the all around greatest player you've ever seen is wayyyyy too much praise. At his best he was around a 20-22 ppg scorer, while averaging around 7 assists and 4 rebounds. That makes for a great player but there are plenty better.

 

[ReadyPower]

Penny was, and is my favorite nba player of all time. jmt, yup, it is sad his injuries affected his career so much.. Heat should give the guy a chance.He is old, but he has had some time to heal, and if he has been keeping in shape he could be a decent option off the bench.. but, my usual strategy now a days for games/fantasy is drafting the young dudes.