Josh Hart’s Pursuit of Championship Leaves Scoring Behind at Knicks

Josh Hart, the New York Knicks player known for his energetic on-court presence, is focusing on winning a championship over boosting personal statistics. In an interview with Newsday, Hart expressed his desire to end his career with a championship, stating, «For me, that’s more important than the statistics. When you win a [championship], no one remembers how much you scored.»

As the Knicks aim for success, Hart is not tasked with leading scorers like Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, or newcomer Mikal Bridges, who notably averaged 26.1 points for the Nets post-trade two seasons ago. Despite his improved shooting skills, Hart ranks last in scoring compared to his teammates. Nevertheless, his contributions are significant, with him ranking second in rebounds and assists among Knicks starters.

Known for his versatility, Hart’s role has been likened to that of a «Swiss army knife» by Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau. «He can initiate offense, play in transition, and brings defense, toughness, and hustle,» Thibodeau stated, commending Hart’s ability to energize the team with his all-around efforts.

Jalen Brunson, Hart’s former college teammate, emphasized Hart’s consistent readiness and adaptability, qualities that have remained since their days playing for Villanova. Despite being a higher draft pick than Brunson, Hart acknowledges that his role is to connect and energize his team rather than chasing high scoring figures. «I’m out there to connect the dots, and I’m happy with doing that,» Hart explained.

In a game against the Phoenix Suns, Hart’s hustle was on full display as he executed a chaotic yet successful play resulting in a two-point layup. Thibodeau expressed confidence in Hart’s ability to contribute positively despite the occasional unpredictability, stating, «He’s going to get you extra possessions because of the all-out hustle. That’s what winning’s about.»