Knicks Preview: Hart - No longer a donkey, return to the bench to play a greater role

Josh Hart plays a big role in the Knicks' rollercoaster season in 2024-25 for a number of reasons. The Knicks' performance, good or bad, largely stems from Hart's presence on the team. This is not a disparagement of Hart as a person and the quality of his teammates, but rather a criticism of how he is used, who he is paired with and how much he is used, which ultimately affects not only his performance, but the performance of his teammates as well.

Many fans, myself included, begged Thibodeau to give Myles McBride a try at starting guard alongside Jalen Brunson, but Hart's stellar performance at the start of the season effectively silenced many. He played his usual high-intensity game style, actively fought for rebounds, and at the same time acted as a selfless connection player that the team desperately needed. He made an astonishing 39.3% three-point shooting rate in 32 games and averaged 3.5 three-point attempts per game.

But when the calendar turned to a new page, the opponent team's way of playing against him also changed. The Knicks actually changed the direction of this four-Aggie. Teams put their post players and rim protectors next to Hart to put pressure on Brunson and Towns and risk Hart getting points to beat the other team.

As Hart's shooting percentage began to decline, the Knicks' offense also weakened. Tom Thibodeau stuck with Hart throughout the remainder of the season, and nearly the entirety of the playoffs, despite pleas for a change, leading to fans turning to the once-beloved player.

His defensive performance has regressed, and we've seen him make more glaring mistakes on the court. Offensively, while he tried to make the right moves and continue to play unselfishly, his lack of outside shooting, coupled with his hesitancy on open opportunities, resulted in him being a liability to the team a lot of the time.

But entering the 2025-26 season, it is hoped that Hart can return to the role of a substitute. It would be good news if head coach Mike Brown could settle on a starting lineup that included Miles McBride or Mitchell Robinson as the team's fifth man instead of Hart. This is not a distrust of Hart, but that he can play a greater role off the bench.

Either McBride enters the starting lineup and has a significant improvement on the offensive end, or Robinson enters the starting lineup and has a significant improvement on the defensive end. As for Hart, returning to the bench will bring out the best in him. A player who is good at fast break counterattacks and rebounding can grab points in chaotic battles and is a good glue.

No longer has to be responsible for guarding Brunson, but instead becomes one of the few players on the team to find Tatum when chasing three-pointers, or constantly needs to find ways to get Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby involved. All of Hart's best aspects should be unleashed once again. No matter who the second unit ends up being, fans should be happy with the prospect of Hart returning off the bench and becoming the player we've seen him be in previous years.

Partnering with Jordan Clarkson and Gayle Xiong Yabusele gave him multiple outside shooting opportunities. If Robinson is selected as the starter, McBride would only add more floor space in the second unit. If the Browns ultimately decide to make McBride the starter, Hart and Robinson will undoubtedly become the best backup rebounding tandem in the league.

I don’t think Hart’s data will improve greatly. It may not improve or even drop a little. In fact, statistically speaking, we may see a dip in his performance considering he's likely to be relegated to the bench. But I think if he comes off the bench and doesn't play with the starters as much, he'll be better in every aspect of his game. Expect him to get closer to his best, become a better defender, try to score more, and become the backbone and soul of the team that we Knicks fans love most.

Mini-game recommendations:Mr Bean & Skibidi Tetris