Josh Hart is getting realistic that he won’t start amid a slow start to the season
Many observers have tagged New York Knicks as one of the top contenders for the Larry O’Brien Trophy after reaching the conference semifinals last season. The team retained and hired battle-tested coach Mike Brown to install a new vision.
The Knicks, however, got off to a slow start. They are sitting on a 2-3 record, as of writing.
Noticeably a change in strategy for the Knicks after the arrival of Brown he was making Josh Hart get off the bench. Last season, Hart started 77 games for then-coach Tom Thibodeau, leading the league in 37.6 minutes per game. Now, his playing time has dropped dramatically to 22.3 minutes per outing.
While some players would easily pounce on the perceived demotion, 30-year-old Hart remains even-keeled about it.
“I’m weak not starting. That’s what I want to do in the season. For me, there’s a different way to approach it mentally. Obviously, when you have guys that are questionable and a game-time decision, my role might be different, and I might not know what my role is until there’s an hour on the clock or 35 minutes on the clock,” wing center F said. Katz and James Edwards III.
“So it’s one of those things. If I’m not going to start, I’m totally cool with that. I don’t want to be the next starter because it all depends on the game. I want a more consistent role so I can make an impact in that role.”
Hart has been playing with a nerve injury in his right hand, which could also explain his reduced production. In four games, he averaged 2.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
Last season, he averaged 13.7 points and posted a career-high 9.6 rebounds and 5.9 assists while serving as the Knicks’ two-way starter. He also set the team record for triple-doubles in a season with nine.
He may have a new role, but expect Hart to play hard every night.
2025-11-03 01:33:00
