Jul 8, 2026, 06:13 PM ET

MIAMI - Tim Hardaway Jr. stuck to one familiar pattern across his 15 trips to Miami while playing against the Heat. He would step inside the building, glance upward toward the ceiling, and focus on a single retired banner.

The "Hardaway 10" hangs there to honor his father's contributions and the number retired by the franchise in recognition of Tim Hardaway Sr.

"Coming here when I was an opponent, I felt like it gave me a superpower," Hardaway Jr. said.

That number now belongs to him as well.

The Heat officially presented the next generation of the family on Wednesday when the 34-year-old Hardaway held his introductory news conference in Miami. He received a No. 10 jersey bearing the added "Jr." on the back.

"This is really bizarre," said Heat president Pat Riley, who once coached the elder Hardaway.

Tim Hardaway Sr. had earlier indicated he would not allow his retired number to return to use, telling WQAM radio last week that his legacy stands alone and his son continues on his own path.

Hardaway Jr. explained Wednesday that further talks within the family shifted that stance.

"I think the first go-round was a personal decision," he said of his father's initial view. "The second go-round was a family decision."

As a child, Hardaway Jr. spent time on the practice court while his father played and later received extra workouts arranged by the staff. That staff member was Erik Spoelstra, now the head coach.

"Things are going to be a little bit more serious now than before," Hardaway said. "But I mean, I'm very comfortable and confident to be able to go up there and talk to Coach anytime I need some guidance or assistance on anything. I feel like he's a great person in order to do that."

Miami began the offseason seeking a top talent and acquired Giannis Antetokounmpo while also pursuing added shooting and reliability. Hardaway arrives after posting career highs with 224 made three-pointers and nearly 41 percent accuracy from beyond the arc. He appeared in 236 of 246 possible regular-season games across the prior three years.

His assignment, whether starting or coming off the bench, centers on supporting Antetokounmpo and center Bam Adebayo.

"Once the call came, I think it was kind of a no-brainer," Hardaway said. "It's the right fit, not only for this franchise, but for me personally - especially when you have two guys out there that definitely need spacing for them to go out there and operate and do what they do best. My job here, it's just to make their life easy and that's to knock down shots."

Born and raised in Miami, Hardaway will suit up for his sixth NBA team in the city he still considers home.

"I've been praying for this day," Hardaway said. "I've always wanted this day to come, ever since I was a kid."