http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/ny-spkside304099808dec30,0,1870761.story?coll=ny-basketball-headlines Hardaway yearns for more time Email this story Printer friendly format BY GREG LOGAN STAFF WRITER December 30, 2004 When Penny Hardaway recovers from his right hamstring injury, he'd like to recapture at least a semblance of the old Penny, the four-time All-Star who once ranked among the NBA's top scorers. Disappointed with his limited role in the 16 games before he was hurt, Hardaway said last night that he met recently with Knicks coach Lenny Wilkens to ask for greater involvement in the offense. Although team president Isiah Thomas has praised Hardaway's play since he was acquired last January, Hardaway said: "I just think nothing was really expected of me and nothing still is. But I feel like I can do way more. What I really want to do is to be me and not just be a role player." Playing 23.7 minutes a game this season, Hardaway is averaging career lows of 6.6 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists. But with Allan Houston and Tim Thomas sidelined during the Knicks' 4-0 first-round playoff loss to the Nets last spring, Hardaway averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.8 assists. That told him he has some game left. "Last year's playoffs got my juices flowing," he said. "... To be playing just 20 minutes a game now ... I get antsy. I came into this season really ready to go. "I feel like I'm a 12 to 15 point a night player coming off the bench if I was allowed to be. The thing that frustrates me is when people say, 'He's playing well.' To me, I'm really underachieving, only averaging six points and two rebounds. That's the worst you could ever see." Hardaway wants to come off the injured list soon because of the opportunity for minutes with Jamal Crawford out another two to four weeks. If possible, Hardaway would like 25 to 30 minutes a game and the chance to handle the ball more and post up more. "I just want to find a way to get me more involved," he said. "I feel too good to be sitting over there this year." --

※ 發信站: 批踢踢實業坊(ptt.cc) ◆ From: 222.156.102.5