NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr. Bars Son From Wearing Retired No. 10 After Miami Heat Signing

Tim Hardaway Jr., who grew up in Miami, is set to join the Heat, the team where his father, NBA Hall of Famer Tim Hardaway Sr., forged a legendary career. The younger Hardaway has reportedly agreed to a $6.5 million deal, adding a key shooting presence to the roster, especially with the anticipated arrival of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

A Family Legacy in Miami

Tim Hardaway Sr. arrived in Miami after six and a half seasons with the Golden State Warriors, quickly becoming one of the franchise's most iconic figures. His remarkable tenure led to his No. 10 jersey being retired by the Heat in 2009.

The Retired Number Dilemma

While Hardaway Jr. has often honored his father by wearing the No. 10 throughout three of his five previous NBA teams, this tradition will not continue in Miami. Hardaway Sr. has made it clear that his retired number will remain untouched in the rafters.

"My legacy is my legacy. Even though he likes to wear No. 10, that is not coming down from the rafters," Hardaway Sr. stated during a WQAM radio interview in Miami. "That is tough to do. And when it’s up there, you want (it) to stay up there, and you don’t want nobody to touch it."

He expressed immense pride in his son's accomplishments, adding, "I love him. I love him. I’m happy for him... Watching him play through college and the NBA, he’d been to three places I’d never been: the Final Four, a championship, and now, he’s going to his hometown team. I never done that, and so, I’m happy that he’s doing it. But no, he can’t wear No. 10."

During his time with the Heat, the elder Hardaway was a dominant force, twice finishing among the top six in MVP voting. He earned an All-NBA First Team selection and two All-NBA Second Team honors. The franchise went on to secure its fourth championship four years after his departure, with key contributions from Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal.

Finding a New Number

Hardaway Jr. has worn other numbers throughout his career, including No. 5 and No. 3. However, these are currently unavailable in Miami, with Nikola Jovic wearing No. 5 and Dwyane Wade's No. 3 also retired. His No. 11, which he sported with the Dallas Mavericks, is also claimed by Jaime Jacquez Jr. This leaves the possibility of Hardaway Jr. potentially needing to negotiate with Trevor Keels for the No. 8 jersey, which Keels wore during his eight games with the Heat.