Josh Hart began his season with the New York Knicks questioning his offensive role, despite signing a four-year extension after a trade from Portland in February 2023. However, as the playoffs began, his role as a do-it-all wing for the team was vital. Hart, who is the great-nephew of Yankees legend Elston Howard, sported a braided hair with an interlocking NY symbol for the playoffs. Throughout the regular season, Hart proved to be an essential workhorse for the Knicks, especially with key players like Julius Randle, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson missing significant time due to injuries.
The 29-year-old Hart took on a larger role for the Knicks in the absence of key players, starting the final 36 games of the season. He averaged 40 minutes per game during that stretch, which was more than DeMar DeRozan, the NBA leader, averaged over 79 games in the season. Despite the increased workload, Hart maintained his confidence and focused on playing his game on the court. He remained committed to contributing to the team in any way necessary, showcasing his versatility and dedication to the game.
Hart, who signed an $81 million, four-year contract extension in the summer, had expressed feeling excluded from the team’s offensive sets earlier in the season. Although he struggled with his three-point shooting, finishing with a career-low percentage from beyond the arc, Hart excelled in various aspects of the game. He averaged 12.0 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game in his final 36 appearances, even recording six triple-doubles, a feat he had not accomplished in his previous NBA seasons.
Throughout his performances, Hart demonstrated his ability to fill multiple roles on the court, whether it was scoring, rebounding, or playmaking. While he acknowledged that his playstyle varied from game to game, he approached each opportunity with a focus on having fun and contributing to the team’s success. Hart’s consistent performance and adaptability during the season earned him the trust and confidence of his teammates and coaches, showcasing his value as a dynamic player for the Knicks.
Despite initial doubts about his role and offensive contributions, Hart proved himself to be an essential player for the Knicks during the season. While he faced challenges with his three-point shooting, he excelled in various areas, including scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. His versatility and dedication to the game were evident in his performances, as he continued to play a crucial role for the team, especially in the absence of key players. Hart’s ability to adapt to different roles on the court and his commitment to the team’s success made him a valuable asset for the Knicks throughout the season and into the playoffs.
