Tim Hardaway Jr. Emerges as NBA 6th Man Award Contender Despite Bench Role Nuggets guard Tim Hardaway Jr. has become a surprising candidate for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, despite spending most of the season on the bench. His journey to this point began with a strategic decision by Nuggets coach David Adelman, who prioritized protecting the health of veteran guards Hardaway and Bruce Brown by limiting their minutes. Adelman’s approach involved younger players stepping into key roles, a move that initially seemed counterintuitive but has since paid dividends for Denver’s team dynamics and Hardaway’s individual performance. Adelman’s rationale for the rotation was rooted in both practicality and instinct. He explained that the decision was made to “protect their bodies” and ensure Hardaway, a 33-year-old guard with a history of durability, could stay fresh for high-stakes moments. By allowing younger players to take early minutes, Adelman aimed to minimize Hardaway’s workload while still giving him opportunities to contribute when the game mattered most. “I didn’t want to play Tim 38 minutes a game,” Adelman said. “You can have your younger guys step in and take those first six minutes. It minimizes the minutes.” Beyond the physical toll, Adelman believed in the long-term value of keeping Hardaway and Brown together on the bench. “In my heart, I thought, ‘This is gonna be our bench when it matters,’” Adelman said. “And Tim and Bruce, I wanted them to play together as much as possible. Don’t break them up. Keep a rhythm.” This philosophy has allowed Hardaway to remain a consistent presence, even as Denver’s starting lineup has faced injuries and depth issues. Hardaway’s commitment to the role has been evident in his performance.#jamal_murray #nuggets #david_adelman #tim_hardaway_jr #nba_sixth_man_award
