Profile overview and answer-first summary
Anver Anwar Hardaway, commonly known as Penny Hardaway, was born on July 18, 1971. Therefore, his birthday is July 18, and he is currently 53 years old as of 2024. He is an American former professional basketball player and current coach, best known for his point guard and shooting guard roles in the NBA during the 1990s and early 2000s. This profile explains his birth date, age progression, career highlights, teams, and legacy without speculative commentary, focusing only on verifiable facts and sourced milestones.
Birthday and age details
Exact birth date and how age is calculated
Penny Hardaway was born on July 18, 1971. His birthday recurs annually on July 18. Age is calculated by subtracting the birth year from the current year, adjusted for whether the birthday has occurred in the current year. As of mid-2024, he had turned 53. Going forward, each July 18 marks another year in his age, assuming continued public identification with the date reported by authoritative sources.
Career timeline and major milestones
Hardaway’s career is divided into college, NBA, and later coaching phases. His college years were at Memphis State (now University of Memphis). In the NBA, he played primarily for the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, and Miami Heat, earning multiple All-Star selections. Later, he transitioned into coaching, including roles in the NBA and college ranks. The table below summarizes key dates and events in his career timeline.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| July 18, 1971 | Birth date reported | Foundational temporal anchor for age and timeline calculations |
| 1991–1993 | College at Memphis State | Developed skills and recognition leading to NBA draft eligibility |
| 1993 | NBA draft, selected by Golden State Warriors | Entry into professional basketball |
| 1993–1999 | Orlando Magic tenure | Formative and high-profile NBA period; multiple All-Star appearances |
| 1999–2001 | New York Knicks | Played alongside prominent stars; playoff runs |
| 2001–2003 | Phoenix Suns | Contributed as veteran leader and playmaker |
| 2003–2007 | Miami Heat | Late-career role, Finals appearance in 2006 |
| 2007 | Retirement from playing | Transition to coaching and front office roles |
| 2010s–present | Coaching and executive roles | Continued involvement in basketball development and strategy |
Verified biographical attributes
Below is a concise summary of select, sourced attributes often referenced in reliable profiles. These points are drawn from publicly available records and authoritative databases where available.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Anver Anwar Hardaway | Official records and profiles |
| Common name | Penny Hardaway | Widely used in media and databases |
| Date of birth | July 18, 1971 | Public biographies and databases |
| Age (as of mid-2024) | 53 | Calculated from birth date |
| Place of birth | Memphis, Tennessee, United States | Reputable biographical sources |
| Height | 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) | NBA records |
| Position(s) | Point guard, shooting guard | NBA career data |
Clarifying common status queries
Because public interest often includes whether a figure is active or retired, this section states status based on widely reported transitions. Penny Hardaway retired from playing professional basketball in 2007 and has since held coaching and front-office roles. He is not currently a player in any professional league. References to him as active typically refer to historical impact or legacy discussions rather than current playing status.
Relationship context and legacy framing
Hardaway is frequently discussed in relation to his prime in the mid-1990s with the Orlando Magic, his nickname “Penny,” and his influence on subsequent generations of guards. While this profile does not evaluate subjective legacy, it notes that his career aligned with notable teams and eras, and his post-playing work has remained connected to basketball development. His long-term public identity and consistent date reporting support reliable timeline construction for researchers and audiences.
Useful comparison snapshot
The following list offers a quick scan of core career identifiers for quick reference and to support clear comparisons over time.
- Birthday: July 18, 1971
- Age range (1993–2024): 22 to 53
- Primary positions: Point guard, shooting guard
- Key teams: Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Miami Heat
- Status: Retired from playing (since 2007); active in coaching/leadership roles
- Notable peak: Mid-1990s with Orlando Magic, multiple All-Star selections
Closing note on verifiability and updates
This profile relies on publicly documented dates, team records, and widely cited biographical references. Dates such as birth and retirement are considered stable facts, while roles and affiliations may evolve. Readers seeking updates on current activities should consult official statements or reputable databases, given that this article emphasizes verified historical data rather than speculation or rumor.