NBA legend and Memphis Tigers head coach Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway remains one of the most iconic figures in basketball history. With his sleek, smooth playmaking ability and legendary off-court cultural impact, Penny defined an entire era of 1990s hoops alongside Shaquille O’Neal with the Orlando Magic.
In this exclusive #WORDWITHSCOOP interview, I caught up with Penny to talk about the fun memories from his playing days in Orlando, his lasting influence on generation-defining stars like Tracy McGrady and LeBron James, and how current NBA superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander carries on his stylistic legacy on the floor today.
Check out the full #WORDWITHSCOOP transcript below:
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: When you played in Orlando Magic games and the DJ put on that George Clinton song while you brought the ball up the court… Did you ever want to dance?
Penny Hardaway: I never wanted to dance, no. I was there with the basketball, so I never just dropped the basketball and started dancing. That was more Shaq and Dennis than me!
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: People talk about you and Shaq, him leaving Orlando and then you look at modern-day free agency where a lot of people make moves that are best for them. Which move in today’s NBA era closely resembles you and Shaq, where Shaq ultimately joined the Los Angeles Lakers?
Penny Hardaway: Man, what move resembles that? That’s a tough question, man, I’ve never been asked that. As far as a guard making a move… Maybe Giannis has the Shaq vibe because he’s going to Miami to try to do some special things there—a championship city—and he wants to win one like in Milwaukee. So maybe he’ll make that move. As far as a guard making that move? I never won one, but I made the move… I’ll go with Ja Morant.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: When you look at LeBron, Scotty Pippen, and a lot of point forwards in the league, you hear a lot of guys say who influenced who. Who do you think you influenced more: LeBron James or Tracy McGrady?
Penny Hardaway: Probably Tracy. Tracy’s a Florida kid, so he knew more about me being from that Florida area right there. I would say Tracy. LeBron definitely respects my game, but out of the two, I would say Tracy McGrady. He wore the number because of me and he’s stated it a lot for sure.
Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reminds me of you because he’s tall, but he also reminds me of a hybrid of you and Allen Iverson because he’s shifty. When you analyze his game, what do you see?
Penny Hardaway: I see the same thing. I see the greatness, the speed bursts, the change of speed and getting to his spots. I see him shooting over people, going around people and making big shots. AI made big shots. So you’re right about that as far as the hybrid of myself and Allen. That’s a pretty dope mix right there.
Penny Hardaway’s imprint on basketball culture runs deep and endures through generations of players. Long before the tall, versatile playmaker became standard in the modern positionless NBA, Penny was setting the blueprint as a 6’7″ point guard who could control the game with unmatched flair, court vision, and style.
Hearing him reflect on his deep connection with stars like Tracy McGrady—who famously wore No. 1 in honor of Penny—highlights just how powerful his influence was on young talent coming up behind him. His seal of approval on modern game-changers like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shows his ongoing love for the game and his recognition of players who continue to push the boundaries of guard play.
Whether he is reminiscing about the glory days alongside Shaq in Orlando or shaping the next generation of talent from the sidelines, Penny Hardaway remains a true icon whose legacy transcends stats and championship rings. Stay tuned to #WORDWITHSCOOP for more exclusive interviews, court-side stories, and deep dives into basketball history with the game’s greatest legends.
