The best from Tim Hardaway Sr.’s epic Basketball Hall of Fame speech

By Edcel Panganiban September 19, 2022 13:46

In case you missed it, Tim Hardaway Sr. was finally honored with his long-overdue induction to Basketball’s Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2022 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

It was a long time coming for the five-time NBA All-Star, following a successful 15-year career where he averaged 17.7 points and 8.2 assists per game.

The Fan Arch athlete certainly looked good in that orange jacket.

Hardaway Sr., who played his best years with the Golden State Warriors and the Miami Heat, had an amazing speech in front of his family, friends, and devoted supporters.

“Mr. Killer Crossover” discussed a lot of things, but it was his tribute to his Run TMC teammates that stood out the most.

"We were ahead of our time."#22HoopClass Inductee Tim Hardaway shouts out his "Run TMC" running mates, Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond! pic.twitter.com/m0dvfX10tK
— NBA (@NBA) September 10, 2022

"Chris Mullin and Mitch Richmond. Run TMC. Legendary, baby. We were legendary," Hardaway said during his HOF speech.

"When I came into the NBA, those two guys taught me everything, how to be a pro, how to take care of myself, and they would ask me 'Tim, how great do you really want to be?' See, Mully and Rock, they made me who I am today. And Run TMC, man, we were ahead of our time. Chris, Mitch, you will always be family to me. We did everything together during our time with the Warriors. I cherish those years. I cherish our friendship."

To be fair, that core Warriors trio would have thrived in today’s fast-paced game. They played in the ‘90s when most teams ran half-court sets and maximized the shot clock.

RUN TMC, however, was already running up and down the court and firing long-range bombs at a high rate before it was cool.

Newly inducted HOF member Tim Hardaway Sr. has his own merchandise exclusively available on the Fan Arch website. Carry on Tim Hardway Sr.’s legacy by rocking his personalized gear! We already got these 'Hall of Fame' hoodies. Check 'em out!

Tim Hardaway Sr. also had a heartwarming tribute to his son, Tim Hardaway Jr., who was watching the whole thing live in attendance.

"You have kept the basketball legacy alive and well... We are so proud of you"

Tim Hardaway Sr.'s words to Tim Hardaway Jr. during his #22HoopClass enshrinement speech. pic.twitter.com/A4yIW3sf57
— NBA (@NBA) September 10, 2022

"Tim Jr. you followed in the family footsteps and you have kept the basketball legacy alive and well,” the proud dad shared.

“Tim, I introduced you to the game you love and we are so proud of you. We have so much joy watching you play and you be out there hooping your butt off. Keep up the good work."

Tim Hardaway Sr. and 800+ professional athletes and influencers have personalized merchandise on the Fan Arch’s website!

Fan Arch aims to transcend the narrative by making it easier to bridge the gap between athletes, influencers, and their fans. Check out our creative and personalized collection through Fanarch.com.