[外電] Penny Hardaway gets Heat comeback chance

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http://www.miamiherald.com/594/story/198270.html

Penny Hardaway gets Heat comeback chance
Posted on Thu, Aug. 09, 2007Digg it del.icio.us reprint or license print
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By BARRY JACKSON
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When the Heat signed former NBA star Penny Hardaway on Thursday, ex-Heat
guard Tim Hardaway had a reaction typical of what Heat fans were probably
saying.

``Wow!''

But as Tim Hardaway (no relation) began detailing what he has seen from
Anfernee ''Penny'' Hardaway this summer, he understood the reasoning behind
it.

''He still plays good defense, runs the floor well, shoots the same, knows
how to cut and run,'' he said of pickup games that also have included NBA
players Carlos Boozer, Carlos Arroyo and others.

``He's 100 percent healthy. He's not going to be the same Penny Hardaway of
1996-97 -- he doesn't have the quickness or explosiveness like he did. But
most definitely, he can be a [rotation player].''

Penny Hardaway's first challenge is simply making the team. At 36, he hasn't
played in the league since the 2005-06 season, when he was limited to four
games because of arthritic knees. His one-year deal is for the veteran's
minimum ($1.2 million ) and isn't fully guaranteed.

IMPRESSIVE PLAY

Hardaway wanted to join the Heat early last season, but Miami wasn't
interested.

But that changed after Hardaway worked out for the Heat recently. During
sessions this week at AmericanAirlines Arena, Hardaway competed against
former FSU guard Ron Hale and others and was impressive, according to one
official.

Initially, some of the players in attendance were a bit in awe of Hardaway
and didn't even know he was a serious contender for a roster spot.

But Heat coach Pat Riley saw something he liked.

''Penny is a player who has been an all-star and has enjoyed an illustrious
career,'' Riley said in a statement. ``We have been impressed at his hard
work and dedication this summer to get back in shape and return to the NBA.
He is a skilled player who can help us in multiple positions.''

Hardaway has a home in Miami and made it clear he wanted to play for the Heat.

''Penny wants to fit in and help contribute,'' said his agent, Jeff Wechsler.
``He has worked extremely hard for a couple years to get where he is. It was
an opportunity to be in a winning organization.''

Hardaway, 6-7, was listed as a guard/forward in the Heat's news release. If
he makes good on his comeback attempt, he could back up Dwyane Wade at
shooting guard, allowing rookie Daequan Cook time to develop. He also could
play some at small forward, although Miami likely will continue searching for
another player at that position to compete with Dorell Wright and Antoine
Walker (who can play both forward spots).

SHAQ SUPPORTS DEAL

The signing reunites Hardaway with Heat center Shaquille O'Neal, his former
teammate with the Orlando Magic. Their egos clashed at times in Orlando, but
O'Neal approved of Hardaway signing with the Heat, a source said.

O'Neal and Hardaway led the Magic to the 1995 NBA Finals (a four-game loss to
Houston). Hardaway finished third in MVP balloting the following season.

A member of the gold-medal winning 1996 U.S. Olympic basketball team,
Hardaway spent his first six seasons with Orlando, then 4 ½ with Phoenix,
and 2 ½ with the Knicks. He averaged 7.3 points and shot 42.3 percent in 37
games off the bench for New York in 2004-05, before appearing in just four
games the following season.

Golden State drafted Hardaway third overall in 1993, but traded him and three
first-round picks to Orlando for No. 1 pick Chris Webber. Hardaway averaged
15.4 points, 5.1 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals and shot 45.8 percent
from the field in 688 games spanning 13 seasons. He was nicknamed ''Penny''
because his grandmother used to say he was ``pretty as a penny.''


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