I grew up under the sticks and stones rule. I didn't put my hands on you so why should you put your hands on me or my family.

On March 27 2003 Hardaway signed a contract with the Indiana Pacers and in his first game registered a season-high fourteen points and seven assists against the Chicago Bulls. In 1991–92 Hardaway became the 7th player in NBA history to average 20 points (23. With his skills declining with age Hardaway was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on August 22 2001 for a second-round draft pick.

Six feet (1. 83 m) tall he was best known for his devastating crossover dribble (dubbed the "UTEP Two-step" by television analysts) a move which he helped to popularize among younger players.