Penny Hardaway ranked #55, behind #54 Kevin Durant and ahead of #56 Dennis Rodman

At 6-foot-7, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway blended some of the size and skills of Magic Johnson with some of the spectacular talent of Michael Jordan. In future years, LeBron James would become an even bigger, better version of the same player. But James and many others of his generation cite Penny as an inspiration.

Big-time success came quickly and left quickly, as with several other stars of the '90s. Hardaway twice was named All-NBA first team and was a major marketing star with Nike's Lil Penny character (voiced by Chris Rock). And in his second season, Penny, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic made the NBA Finals.

But Shaq departed, Penny suffered knee injuries and his reputation, previously spotless, took hits. He eventually faded from the NBA in 2007 and became a coach and community leader in his hometown of Memphis -- where in 2018 he was hired as head coach of his college alma mater, bringing him full circle.

(03-28-2018 06:26 PM)Julian Wrote:  Penny Hardaway ranked #55, behind #54 Kevin Durant and ahead of #56 Dennis Rodman

At 6-foot-7, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway blended some of the size and skills of Magic Johnson with some of the spectacular talent of Michael Jordan. In future years, LeBron James would become an even bigger, better version of the same player. But James and many others of his generation cite Penny as an inspiration.

Big-time success came quickly and left quickly, as with several other stars of the '90s. Hardaway twice was named All-NBA first team and was a major marketing star with Nike's Lil Penny character (voiced by Chris Rock). And in his second season, Penny, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic made the NBA Finals.

But Shaq departed, Penny suffered knee injuries and his reputation, previously spotless, took hits. He eventually faded from the NBA in 2007 and became a coach and community leader in his hometown of Memphis -- where in 2018 he was hired as head coach of his college alma mater, bringing him full circle.

Curious what the hits to his reputation were?

(03-29-2018 02:55 PM)Coolidge1 Wrote:  

(03-28-2018 06:26 PM)Julian Wrote:  Penny Hardaway ranked #55, behind #54 Kevin Durant and ahead of #56 Dennis Rodman

At 6-foot-7, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway blended some of the size and skills of Magic Johnson with some of the spectacular talent of Michael Jordan. In future years, LeBron James would become an even bigger, better version of the same player. But James and many others of his generation cite Penny as an inspiration.

Big-time success came quickly and left quickly, as with several other stars of the '90s. Hardaway twice was named All-NBA first team and was a major marketing star with Nike's Lil Penny character (voiced by Chris Rock). And in his second season, Penny, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic made the NBA Finals.

But Shaq departed, Penny suffered knee injuries and his reputation, previously spotless, took hits. He eventually faded from the NBA in 2007 and became a coach and community leader in his hometown of Memphis -- where in 2018 he was hired as head coach of his college alma mater, bringing him full circle.

Curious what the hits to his reputation were?

Girlfriend accused him of "threatening" her. I don't think it ever went to court though.

(03-29-2018 02:55 PM)Coolidge1 Wrote:  

(03-28-2018 06:26 PM)Julian Wrote:  Penny Hardaway ranked #55, behind #54 Kevin Durant and ahead of #56 Dennis Rodman

At 6-foot-7, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway blended some of the size and skills of Magic Johnson with some of the spectacular talent of Michael Jordan. In future years, LeBron James would become an even bigger, better version of the same player. But James and many others of his generation cite Penny as an inspiration.

Big-time success came quickly and left quickly, as with several other stars of the '90s. Hardaway twice was named All-NBA first team and was a major marketing star with Nike's Lil Penny character (voiced by Chris Rock). And in his second season, Penny, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic made the NBA Finals.

But Shaq departed, Penny suffered knee injuries and his reputation, previously spotless, took hits. He eventually faded from the NBA in 2007 and became a coach and community leader in his hometown of Memphis -- where in 2018 he was hired as head coach of his college alma mater, bringing him full circle.

Curious what the hits to his reputation were?

If I remember correctly, Chuck Daly questioned his heart on multiple occassions. One time going so far as to say that Penny couldnt come to practices but he would drive past the countryclub to see Penny on the golf course.

http://articles.courant.com/1999-02-25/s...t-harpring

His reputation was damaged, too. With the Magic medical staff and Hardaway in disagreement over the severity of his injury, Hardaway flew to Houston for a second opinion, and stayed there for his rehabilitation. Daly, in his first season as Magic coach after winning two championships with the Pistons, wondered aloud about Hardaway's commitment. So, privately, did other members of the front office.

(03-29-2018 03:02 PM)memtigbb Wrote:  

(03-29-2018 02:55 PM)Coolidge1 Wrote:  

(03-28-2018 06:26 PM)Julian Wrote:  Penny Hardaway ranked #55, behind #54 Kevin Durant and ahead of #56 Dennis Rodman

At 6-foot-7, Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway blended some of the size and skills of Magic Johnson with some of the spectacular talent of Michael Jordan. In future years, LeBron James would become an even bigger, better version of the same player. But James and many others of his generation cite Penny as an inspiration.

Big-time success came quickly and left quickly, as with several other stars of the '90s. Hardaway twice was named All-NBA first team and was a major marketing star with Nike's Lil Penny character (voiced by Chris Rock). And in his second season, Penny, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic made the NBA Finals.

But Shaq departed, Penny suffered knee injuries and his reputation, previously spotless, took hits. He eventually faded from the NBA in 2007 and became a coach and community leader in his hometown of Memphis -- where in 2018 he was hired as head coach of his college alma mater, bringing him full circle.

Curious what the hits to his reputation were?

If I remember correctly, Chuck Daly questioned his heart on multiple occassions. One time going so far as to say that Penny couldnt come to practices but he would drive past the countryclub to see Penny on the golf course.

http://articles.courant.com/1999-02-25/s...t-harpring

His reputation was damaged, too. With the Magic medical staff and Hardaway in disagreement over the severity of his injury, Hardaway flew to Houston for a second opinion, and stayed there for his rehabilitation. Daly, in his first season as Magic coach after winning two championships with the Pistons, wondered aloud about Hardaway's commitment. So, privately, did other members of the front office.

Honestly I think Penny was depressed. I mean, went to the mountain top to having to watch Shaq move on to LA and win all those titles with the Lakers. Hell I was depressed for Penny. I think the middle school gig with Mayweather lifted Penny out of it. Woke him up. Gave him meaning and led to what we are seeing now. He’s a new man. Not the one we all knew as a Tiger or nba player.