Penny says he's worth a shot
Published January 1, 2006

Welcome back?

His career is not going to end this way.

Penny Hardaway, who was once so good but has fallen so far, might finish this season on the sideline with the New York Knicks. But he sure won't be re-signing this summer when he becomes a free agent.

"I don't want to go out like this,'' Hardaway said before the Knicks played the Magic last week. "This is not how I want to finish, not how I want to be remembered.''

Hardaway was at the game in Orlando but he spent it in a nice-looking business suit -- still on the inactive list -- although he was plenty healthy enough to play.

Before the game, when his teammates were warming up, he was sitting in the locker room, eating french fries and a sandwich, lamenting his plight on a struggling team that had decided he no longer was needed or wanted.

At 34, he isn't anywhere close to the talent he once was with the Magic, but he said he still can be a useful NBA player in a part-time role. And he isn't getting that chance in New York, which has gone with younger guards with an eye on the future.

"I'll find a team that wants me. I've got a couple years left in me,'' he said. "There is no reason why I can't be like Nick Van Exel or Michael Finley [both in San Antonio]. I can still help a team win games. I can help a veteran team. I'm not through yet, but they've just gone in a different direction here.''

Hardaway has been on and off the inactive list three times this season, including the start of the season. He has played in four games, fewest of anyone on the Knicks roster.

Because he makes so much money ($15.7 million), he is tough to trade, although the Knicks have talked to the Toronto Raptors about Jalen Rose, who makes a similar salary.

Like many veterans past their prime, Hardaway would be willing to take a dramatic pay cut to sign next season with a contender, hoping to finish his career on the court and with a chance to win a championship.

Hardaway, now in his 13th NBA season, is a four-time all-star starter from his days in Orlando and a first-team All-NBA selection twice. He and Shaquille O'Neal led the Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995.

Although he sold the home he once owned here, he said he intends to build another one in Central Florida when he retires. He would love to finish his playing career here in a backup role, although he also realizes those chances are slim because of the way it ended here the first time.

He was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1999, still blamed for the player revolt that led to the firing of Coach Brian Hill in 1997. Hill was rehired by the Magic this season, and those wounds never have healed. "There's not a lot I can do right now but wait,'' Hardaway said. "But I'm not going to finish like this.''

Davis tutoring

Veteran Antonio Davis has remained surprisingly upbeat as the Knicks struggle. He has been on some outstanding teams in his career, but now he spends most of his time trying to teach guys such as young and talented Eddy Curry the right way to play.

"It's not frustrating. It's just different,'' Davis said. "Do you have kids? Well, it's like when you tell them over and over and over again, and you're just hoping they wake up and they get it, but sometimes they have to learn things on their own. They wake up and finally realize you know what you're talking about.''

Davis, 37, has remained a starter, playing alongside guys who are 15 years younger. Last week, he played just 13 minutes against the Magic, getting five points and five rebounds. There is a reason the Knicks put his locker next to Curry's. "It's going to be a long road for this team, but hopefully in the next couple months, things will start to click,'' Davis said. "Eddy can become a real outstanding player one day if he sets his mind to it.''

For all of his shortcomings he could be useful if he could hit a basket. But on a team where no one can shoot, we cannot afford to have another defensive liability who is also an offensive liability. It just doesn't make sense. Sorry Penny.

NVE took a year off his big contract to get traded a few years ago. I think he gave up 12 mil as he had a player option.

Finley was still very productive when waived. And got to choose his situation. I assume he could have even made more money but choose a winner instead. IM sure someone would have given him the Mid Level or close.

Penny is cap fodder. Nothing more, nothing less.

Penny probably will get a contract on a contender next year for the veteran's minimum if he wants to stick around.