Josh Hart has been on a tear for the Knicks, racking up six triple-doubles in an eight-week time frame since January. His most recent impressive performance was against the Pistons, where he put up 11 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists in 39 minutes. However, despite his all-around contributions, Hart has been struggling with his 3-point shooting this season, including a rough 3-for-31 stretch over his past eight games. Former NBA teammate JJ Redick has committed to helping him improve his outside shot during the offseason.
Redick, who played with Hart in New Orleans from 2019 to 2021, expressed his plans to work on Hart’s shooting during the summer. The two players have a close relationship and are looking forward to spending time together in the gym and enjoying some wine. Hart had an outstanding 3-point shooting percentage of 51.9 last season with the Knicks, but this year his efficiency has dropped significantly to 30.4 percent. Despite his shooting struggles, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau continues to praise Hart as one of the team’s most valuable players.
Hart has been a key player for the Knicks, particularly during a 24-game stretch where he averaged 12.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 40.9 minutes per game. Redick, known for his career shooting percentage of .415 over 15 seasons in the NBA, commended Hart for his exceptional rebounding skills, considering his size and athleticism. Redick acknowledged Hart’s ability to grab rebounds outside of his area and emphasized that Hart embodies the gritty culture that the Knicks have embraced under Thibodeau and assistant coach Jalen Brunson.
Redick also mentioned his work with Quentin Grimes, another Knicks guard who has struggled with his 3-point shooting this season. Grimes, who was unable to play in Monday’s game due to a knee injury, has shot a career-worst .338 from beyond the arc in 51 games with the Knicks and the Pistons. Despite the challenges faced by some of the Knicks’ players in terms of shooting, the team has established a strong identity based on grit and determination, with Hart standing out as a player who epitomizes this culture. Redick’s commitment to working with Hart on his shooting during the offseason reflects the dedication of both players to improving their performance and contributing to their team’s success.
