Tim Hardaway Jr. doesn’t miss vs. Toronto

Antetokounmpo’s Heat preseason debut is Miami’s biggest storyline, but Thompson’s fifth-man role also merits mention. He came off the bench for most of his two seasons in Dallas, which may have contributed to the veteran sharpshooter’s failure to provide consistent fantasy value. Thompson is one player expected to provide the perimeter shooting that Miami needs to keep the paint somewhat clear for Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. That would also enhance Thompson’s fantasy outlook, making him a player worth selecting in the latter rounds of standard league drafts.

Thompson’s departure from the Mavericks comes with a price. However, the veteran sharpshooter will now move on to the next chapter of his career, which will reportedly be with the Miami Heat. In joining the Heat, Thompson would likely come off the bench and play an important floor-spacing role for a team that could use all the three-point shooting possible. Thompson averaged 11.7 points and shot 38.3 percent from deep last season with Dallas.

Shortly after NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that Thompson had reached a buyout agreement with Dallas, Shams dropped the news that Thompson was headed to South Beach. Thompson’s final season in Dallas was forgettable, but he’s still an elite shooter, which is exactly what the Heat need to build this team around Giannis Antetokounmpo. There is a chance that Thompson starts alongside Davion Mitchell, Andrew Wiggins, Giannis and Bam Adebayo, though he should play a significant role regardless. Pelle Larsson may take on a smaller role than anticipated with Thompson in town.

Added via sign-and-trade ahead of the 2024-25 season, Thompson’s first two seasons in Dallas have not gone as planned. While his 38.7 percent mark from three is respectable, that is nearly four percentage points lower than his number with the Warriors. Also, the Mavericks have not been a contender in Thompson’s two seasons, especially after former lead executive Nico Harrison decided to trade Luka Dončić to the Lakers. With 16 players on standard contracts and a new lead executive, Masai Ujiri, calling the shots, it’s unsurprising that the Mavericks would reportedly explore the market for Thompson. In July, it was reported that Miami had interest in Thompson, potentially adding another shooter to play off of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo.

Even with the signing of Tim Hardaway Jr., the Heat need more wing scoring to supplement a roster now headlined by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. As a result, Thompson is said to be a player of interest to the franchise, despite his struggles over two seasons in Dallas. He is still one of the best perimeter shooters in NBA history and can provide the spacing needed to create cleaner driving lanes for players like Antetokounmpo and Adebayo. It was also noted that the Heat’s interest is not contingent on them signing LeBron James in free agency. However, to make something happen, Thompson would need to be bought out of the final year of his current contract, which is worth $17.5 million.

No surprise here as the Heat were a prime destination for Hardaway ever since the organization completed the trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Hardaway comes to Miami with the Heat losing both Tyler Herro and Norman Powell. The need to replace that backcourt shooting as well as provide spacing around Giannis and Bam Adebayo made Hardaway an obvious and natural fit. The 34-year-old shooting guard was third in Sixth Man of the Year voting last season and could have an increased role with the Heat this year.

Due to a strained right hamstring, Watson has not appeared in a game since April 1. That will remain the case for Game 6, resulting in more minutes for fellow reserves Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown.

Despite early foul trouble, Gordon finished Game 1 with a solid stat line. And his time on the bench during the second quarter factored into the Nuggets taking home the victory. During that period, Denver received notable contributions from Tim Hardaway Jr. (7/3/1/1/1 with one three-pointer) and Bruce Brown (8/7/3/5 with one three-pointer), while Jamal Murray scored eight of his game-high 30 points. Gordon and the Nuggets will look to defend home court in Game 2 on Monday.

Thompson played just over 10 minutes in Sunday’s season finale, and that was enough time for him to add another accomplishment to his career résumé. With his four three-pointers, the veteran sharpshooter finished with 202 on the season. Thompson has 11 seasons with at least 200 three-pointers; only Stephen Curry (13) has more. Klay is under contract for the 2026-27 season, but the days of him being a must-roster player in fantasy leagues are in the rear-view mirror.

Gordon and Hardaway getting additional recovery time ahead of the playoffs is far more impactful on the Nuggets’ rotation than Jones’ continued absence with a strained hamstring. David Roddy, who scored 21 points off the bench in Friday’s win over the Thunder, should once again play extended minutes, potentially as a starter to fill the void left by Hardaway.