The New York Knicks are gearing up for the regular season with aspirations of advancing deeper into the NBA playoffs under the guidance of their new coach, Mike Brown. Retaining their core roster centered around star player Jalen Brunson, the Knicks have brought back versatile veteran guard Josh Hart for his fourth season in New York. Hart has proven himself as a strong contributor due to his rebounding prowess, reliable perimeter defense, and scoring ability.
Last season, Hart started in all 77 games he participated in, logging an impressive average of 37.6 minutes per game—the highest in the league. During this time, he achieved a scoring average of 13.6 points, alongside 9.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.5 steals, shooting 52.5% overall and 33.3% from beyond the arc. These figures reflect his best scoring average in the three seasons he has spent with the Knicks.
As the season approaches, there are concerns regarding Hart’s availability. He sustained a back injury during a preseason game in early October that was initially assessed as minor back spasms. While his participation in the season opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers was not initially in jeopardy, his condition has not improved as expected. On October 21, it was announced that Hart did not participate in practice, a situation echoed by coach Mike Brown regarding big man Mitchell Robinson.
Coach Brown expressed skepticism about Hart’s readiness for the upcoming game, emphasizing the importance of a cautious approach to his recovery. This is a concerning development for the Knicks, as Hart’s role—be it as a starter or off the bench—is crucial for the team’s season strategy. The franchise will closely monitor his progress, as his contributions are vital to New York’s performance and outlook as they commence their campaign.
As the regular season nears, the Knicks remain hopeful that Hart can recover quickly, allowing the team to leverage his skills for a successful start. His involvement could significantly shape the way New York approaches its season, and fans are eager to see how the team responds to this challenge.