Josh Hart has spent 2¹/₂ seasons with the Pelicans, and the outspoken Knicks guard expressed sadness following the deadly early morning New Year's Day attack in New Orleans.
At least 15 people were killed and dozens more injured after a driver plowed his pickup truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street in the French Quarter, leading to a deadly shootout with police.
“Obviously, our hearts and prayers go out to the local people who were affected,” Hart said before Wednesday's game against the Jazz at the Garden. “I loved my time in New Orleans. Bourbon Street, I spent quite a bit of my time on Bourbon Street. So your heart goes out to everyone there and your prayers. is for everyone there.
“New Orleans has always had a special place in my heart. What happened is just tragic.”
Hart, who recorded his third triple-double of the season in Monday's road win over the Wizards, was traded from the Lakers to the Pelicans in the Anthony Davis blockbuster in 2019 and then again before the 2022 trade deadline. Traded to the Trail Blazers.
The Knicks acquired the former Villanova star from Portland in February 2023 in exchange for Cam Reddish and a first-round draft pick.
Knicks forward Matt Ryan also appeared in 28 games for the Pelicans last season and spent training camp with the Pelicans earlier this season before being waived and signed by the Knicks as a free agent.
“Certainly, for people who don't know New Orleans, it's hard to see that because New Orleans is so vibrant, so vibrant. It's just a tragedy,” Hart added. “Bourbon Street is always crazy. People travel to go there, to celebrate the New Year, to go to Mardi Gras. Bourbon Street is a place where all kinds of people, from races to religions to everything. It’s like a melting pot.”
New Orleans finally recovered from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Hart said. But like I said, it's just a tragedy. ”
The Sugar Bowl game between Georgia and Notre Dame scheduled for Wednesday night was postponed to Thursday.
Pelicans star Zion Williamson posted on social media: “Praying for our city and those affected by the tragic events that occurred early this morning.”
The Pelicans and Saints released a joint statement saying both area teams were “deeply saddened by the tragic events” that occurred in the early morning hours.
“Our hearts go out to all the victims and their families at this difficult time,” the joint statement said. “We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the first responders who acted quickly and bravely at the scene.
“New Orleans is a city built on resilience, and this heartbreaking event reminds us of the importance of coming together to honor those affected and work towards healing as a community.” The New Orleans community has always shown extraordinary courage and compassion in times of tragedy, and I am confident this time will be no different.”
