Penny Hardaway attempted to make a comeback in 2010 for the 'Big 3' Heat: 'Put my name in the hat'

The arrival of LeBron James and Chris Bosh in Miami gave Anfernee Hardaway the itch to return. Penny last played in the NBA two seasons back but felt that the "Big 3" Miami Heat would be a perfect landing spot for a veteran with his skillset and experience.

Having spent his final NBA season in Miami, Hardaway still had the numbers of several key people in the organization. So, Penny decided to contact a couple of them to let them know that he was willing to come back to play with the "Heatles."

"I texted Erik Spoelstra, I texted Alonzo Mourning telling them to put my name in the hat," said Hardaway. "I would definitely be able to help them. With the role they're looking for, I feel like I can fill that role."

Penny wanted the Brown role

Hardaway was already 39 at that time and hadn't played an NBA game since December 2007. Considering his age, Anfernee said that he wasn't looking to play a major role or significant minutes if he got hired. Instead, the Memphis product sought an opportunity similar to P.J. Brown's with the Boston Celtics in 2007-08.

Brown contemplated retirement after the 2006-07 season and began the following campaign semi-retired. But the then 38-year-old got the call-up from the C's in February 2008 and signed with the team. P.J. played only 18 regular season games but was a veteran who brought a wealth of experience, toughness, and stability to the Celtics' 2008 title squad.

"I would have offered the Heat leadership, and my playmaking ability would have definitely helped LeBron and D-Wade out. And then I'm able to knock down shots, and I think I would have brought all that to the table," Penny said in a different interview.

Penny ended up getting another job

It's unclear whether the Heat took Hardaway's offer seriously, but they had already signed Eddie House in June and Carlos Arroyo in July. LeBron also brought Mike Miller to South Beach, so the guard position was already loaded, even if Erik Spoelstra and Alonzo Mourning considered adding Penny. However, most likely, they didn't.

In 2011, Anfernee received a phone call from his high school buddy Desmond Merriweather, who was then the head coach of their alma mater, Lester Middle School, inviting him to a charity game. The rest is history.

Penny took over the coaching reigns from Merriweather, who was then battling cancer. Hardaway led them to a 28-3 record and the West Tennessee State title in 2012. In 2018, Anfernee was appointed as head coach of his other alma mater, the University of Memphis. He led the Tigers to the 2021 NIT title and the 2023 AAC Conference Championship and is now in his 7th year as Memphis' chief bench tactician.