Knicks Hope for Josh Hart’s Return to Boost Team
PHOENIX — Evaluating Josh Hart is simpler when he’s not present. Now that he’s close to returning after missing eight games (he’s been listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Trail Blazers), there’s a sense of optimism that his energy can help reassemble the Knicks.
“He really is the heart and soul of our team, especially in terms of energy,” Miles McBride mentioned. “I bring energy too, and there are others who do as well. But Hart has been doing this for a long time, and we really could use him as a key player.”
Interestingly, this wasn’t how things were supposed to play out for Hart. It wasn’t expected that he would combine his energy, leadership, and playmaking abilities so effectively.
The 30-year-old started the season sidelined with a broken ring finger on his shooting hand, an injury stemming from a dislocated finger during playoffs and a setback in offseason practices.
In the lead-up to the season, Hart struggled with his jump shot and had to assert that surgery on the finger wasn’t an option — something that would have kept him out for months.
Once he returned to the lineup, Hart significantly influenced the Knicks by enhancing their rebounding and pace.
“He’s the glue that holds us together,” coach Mike Brown stated. “Having him on the floor opens up a lot of possibilities for us on both ends.”
Despite dealing with a severe right ankle sprain during Christmas, Hart believed the team would manage to cope without him.
Ultimately, they navigated through OG Anunoby’s absence with a respectable 6-3 record.
However, their performance dipped with Jalen Brunson’s ankle sprain during two games against Miami, leaving them at 6-2. After Miles McBride also sprained his ankle, they slipped further down to 3-5, losing five of their last six games without Hart.
“It’s tough being without a crucial part of the team, especially given the new system and offensive philosophy,” said Karl-Anthony Towns.
Much of the issue stems from how they set up their attack. Without Hart to help advance the ball quickly off defensive rebounds, Jalen Brunson has had to take on more ball-handling duties, which complicates the approach Brown aims for — having Brunson play off the ball like Stephen Curry.
Tyler Kolek, Mikal Bridges, and McBride have struggled under pressure as primary ball handlers.
Therefore, Brunson has had more responsibilities lately. Data shows that over the last eight games without Hart, his average seconds and dribbles per touch have risen. Meanwhile, his effectiveness in getting to the paint has significantly decreased, forcing him into less advantageous situations.
When asked about the need for help, considering he’s the only consistent playmaker while Hart is out, Brunson redirected the question, maintaining unity with his teammates.
Brown remarked that the reduction in paint touches is a significant concern affecting the whole roster.
They certainly miss Hart’s contribution. However, there are indications that he might be back this Sunday.
“Overall, our paint touches are down, which impacts our drive-and-kick plays. While we may not be passing like we used to, Josh excels as a downhill ball handler, making quick decisions and finishing well. Without that element, we all face challenges,” Brown explained.
