Mr.Bottomtooth
07-16-2010, 11:17 AM
Penny Hardaway wants to return to Miami Heat
By Shannon J. Owens
Orlando Sentinel
10:28 p.m. EDT, July 15, 2010
Another puppet show for the Miami Heat? Somebody call Nike.
Penny Hardaway, the man who inspired original Nike puppet in the late 90s "Lil Penny," announced he is interested in competing for a role with the Miami Heat Thursday on an internet radio show called "The Bottom Line Sports Show."
"Mentally I was retired and physically I was retired. I was playing recreational ball," Hardaway said. "But when the decision happened with Chris Bosh and LeBron, I felt like I could really be good in that system."
Hardaway last competed for the Miami Heat in 2007, but experienced his most productive years with the Orlando Magic from 1993-99, where he was a four-time NBA All-Star.
Knee injuries derailed his career, but Hardaway said he's felt healthy since his last stint with the Heat where he was promoted to a starting role before he was released in December of 2007. Hardaway said he's still in good shape with his 39th birthday just days away July 18. Hardaway said he works out four times a week and plays up to five times a week.
"I can understand where Michael Jordan was coming from coming out of retirement a couple times, I can understand where Brett Favre is right now," Hardaway said. "When you still have something in the tank it's really hard to let it go."
Hardaway said he sent text messages to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and his former teammate Alonzo Mourning to express his interest in competing for a non guaranteed, one-year minimal role upon hearing "The Decision."
Hardaway later added in the radio interview that he felt his veteran experience and leadership could be a benefit to younger players like Mario Chalmers.
He has not been in contact with Heat President Pat Riley.
"I love basketball and I didn't get a chance to finish my career the way I wanted," Hardaway said.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-penny-hardaway-miami-heat-20100715,0,893417.story
By Shannon J. Owens
Orlando Sentinel
10:28 p.m. EDT, July 15, 2010
Another puppet show for the Miami Heat? Somebody call Nike.
Penny Hardaway, the man who inspired original Nike puppet in the late 90s "Lil Penny," announced he is interested in competing for a role with the Miami Heat Thursday on an internet radio show called "The Bottom Line Sports Show."
"Mentally I was retired and physically I was retired. I was playing recreational ball," Hardaway said. "But when the decision happened with Chris Bosh and LeBron, I felt like I could really be good in that system."
Hardaway last competed for the Miami Heat in 2007, but experienced his most productive years with the Orlando Magic from 1993-99, where he was a four-time NBA All-Star.
Knee injuries derailed his career, but Hardaway said he's felt healthy since his last stint with the Heat where he was promoted to a starting role before he was released in December of 2007. Hardaway said he's still in good shape with his 39th birthday just days away July 18. Hardaway said he works out four times a week and plays up to five times a week.
"I can understand where Michael Jordan was coming from coming out of retirement a couple times, I can understand where Brett Favre is right now," Hardaway said. "When you still have something in the tank it's really hard to let it go."
Hardaway said he sent text messages to Heat coach Erik Spoelstra and his former teammate Alonzo Mourning to express his interest in competing for a non guaranteed, one-year minimal role upon hearing "The Decision."
Hardaway later added in the radio interview that he felt his veteran experience and leadership could be a benefit to younger players like Mario Chalmers.
He has not been in contact with Heat President Pat Riley.
"I love basketball and I didn't get a chance to finish my career the way I wanted," Hardaway said.
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-penny-hardaway-miami-heat-20100715,0,893417.story