CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The dynamic has changed for Josh Hart.
Last season, Hart was given greater offensive responsibility due to the Knicks' injury rash.
he started attacking.
he had the ball.
He regularly recorded triple-doubles.
October 6th. NBAE (via Getty Images)
The Knicks currently have three All-Star-caliber scorers on the roster in Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, and Mikal Bridges, so Hart's chances are likely far more sporadic and “random” than sustained. It's going to be something.
After Sunday's preseason win against the Hornets, where he was scoreless on just two hits, Hart said he understands and accepts the situation.
“At the end of the day, my job is not to go out there and score 20 points. It's not to go out there and be aggressive offensively and try to make things happen,” Hart said. “My job is to rebound, defend at a high level, be a connector offensively, get in the lane and find guys with open shots, get rebounds, push the pace, get easy shots. The key is to get a transition bucket.
“I'm not worried about the shot. The shot will come the way I play. The way I play is very random. The shot will be there. I think I hit the ball twice. [Sunday]. At the end of the day, I don't think any team could win without some sacrifices. If I had to sacrifice points, I would be happy to do so. ”
This was a good early sign from Hart. Hart wasn't excited as he wasn't very involved early last season.
Expectations for the Knicks are currently rising along with the offensive talent of the starting lineup.
Shot distribution is worth recording.
Brunson and Towns, two prolific scorers, accounted for 22 of the starters' 30 points Sunday.
October 6th. NBAE (via Getty Images)
Bridges, making his Knicks debut after being the Nets' leading scorer last season, scored four points on just five shot attempts.
OG Anunoby, who just signed a $212 million contract, scored four points on just three shots.
“What makes this team good and what makes it special is that we don't care who scores, who assists, who gets the statistical numbers. We all want to win.” said Hart. “We're all willing to make sacrifices to make that happen. I think it's the character of the team that's good for us.”
Taj Gibson will begin his 16th NBA campaign with the Hornets after being waived by the Knicks last season.
But he hasn't given up on his coaching goals yet.
“It’s there,” Gibson told the Post. “But before that, I want to perfect my skills. That’s why I spent most of the summer attending coaching clinics. I just worked, got a feel for the players, and learned various things in the coaching field. Just getting a feel for it. Even if it's not coaching, it's just learning all aspects of the trade.”
Thibodeau, who coached Gibson on three different teams and remains an avid supporter, said he welcomes the center to his staff.
“Just being around his staff for so many years, you already know what's going to happen,” said Gibson, who scored seven points in nine minutes against the Knicks on Sunday. “It really gave me a head start in terms of coaching and understanding.” [with Thibodeau]. At the end of the day, it's just a matter of making a schedule and putting in the work. ”
