Only a handful of NBA players share both the name and the legacy of a basketball icon. Tim Hardaway Jr. is part of that elite group, following in the footsteps of his Hall of Fame father. But unlike many, he’s never been just ‘Tim Hardaway’s son.’ He’s built his own career. As he turned 33, his father, who once dazzled NBA courts with his lethal crossover, penned a heartfelt tribute. The post resonated with fans, proving that some legacies are about more than just numbers on a stat sheet

For Tim Hardaway Jr., growing up with a father who revolutionized the crossover dribble and became an NBA icon undoubtedly came with expectations. But instead of letting his father’s legacy weigh him down, he embraced it.

Tim Hardaway Sr. celebrated his son’s 33rd birthday with an Instagram tribute. He captioned it: “Happy Birthday Son. We are very proud of you. Keep excelling and inspiring. Enjoy your day.”

Hardaway Sr.’s touching birthday tribute quickly gained traction on social media, with fans flooding the comments section to express their admiration for the father-son duo. Let us see how the fans reacted.

Fans React to Tim Hardaway Sr. Wishing Tim Hardaway Jr. On His 33rd Birthday

The fans were equally as sprung and excited to wish Tim Hardaway Jr. on his special day. Adding to the special feeling, one fan commented, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY🥂👑✨.” While another fan sharing affection for Tim Hardaway Jr wrote,” Happy Birthday my love. God bless you 🎂🎁😘. Enjoy your day.” A fan wishing him wrote, ”Happy Birthday 🔥🍾🍾🍾” Another fan appreciating Tim Hardaway teaching his son the two step crossover wrote, “Happy bornday 🔥 THIS IS AMAZING RIGHT HERE u taught him tht UTEP TWO STEP go miners 🙌 Don is king 🤴” One fan of the Pistons fraternity wrote, “GoBlue Happiest Birthday Tim jr,” wishing him a very happy birthday.

Some fans sharing a different feeling that he was undermined wrote, “He was doubted but he just kept showing up!!!!,” cheering him up to spur him on to greater heights on his birthday. Another fan wrote, “Let’s get him to the Celtics plz so he can ball out,” expressing their desire to see Tim Hardaway Jr. play in the Celtics. The Boston Celtics previously pursued a potential trade for the now-33-year-old Hardaway Jr. Rumors swirled in 2023, suggesting the Mavs considered trading Hardaway Jr. for the Celtics’ Brogdon. Can the fans’ request still come true?

Another chimed in, “Hardaway Sr. was a legend, and Hardaway Jr. is doing his thing. Love seeing generational greatness,” highlighting how the second generation of the hardaway family is undertaking his endeavors without getting tangled up in the legacy of his own last name.

The Hardaways’ story is a testament to the enduring power of family values. Hardaway Sr. is celebrating the man his son is becoming. And as Hardaway Jr. continues to grow, both on and off the court, his father’s words will remain a guiding light.