He learned that mentality from watching his father’s old Finals games with the Pistons and Bulls on the long-running NBA TV show Hardwood Classics (Dennis Rodman last played in the NBA in 2000, a year before DJ Rodman was born). “He didn’t have a problem guarding the best guy,” DJ Rodman said. “I plan on having that same mentality when it comes to being a player on the court.” Hardaway also takes pride in his defensive skills, labeling himself a “3 and D” guy who can also knock down shots (he shot 31.7% from 3 at Memphis, though he converted 46% during the 2021-22 season). Versatility, he said, is his biggest strength. “If I need to make plays, like if somebody’s hot and I need to be the one to make sure he’s finding shots, I can do that. Or if I need to space the floor and be ready to knock a shot down, I can do that. Or if it’s taking the challenge of guarding the best player on the other team, I’m up for any challenge,” Hardaway said .