SAN ANTONIO — Comparing Influences in Basketball

Mike Brown has been vocal about one comparison he finds particularly compelling.

He believes Josh Hart’s impact on the Knicks mirrors that of Andre Iguodala on the Warriors—a significant contributor during their championship runs. Having been an assistant coach with the Warriors during three of those title years, Brown has closely observed both players.

And it’s not just Brown who sees the resemblance. Warriors head coach Steve Kerr acknowledges it too.

“They bring versatility to both ends of the court,” Kerr explained. “They can pass, score, and have a knack for anticipating plays before they unfold. It’s about being proactive rather than reactive. Iguodala possesses all these qualities, and we truly needed that alongside our star players, like Steph [Curry] and Jalen [Branson].”

Hart’s statistics often highlight his contributions. He entered Game 1 of the Finals averaging 11.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.6 assists during the postseason. Yet, many of his valuable contributions are more subtle—playing as a screener, handling the ball in fast breaks, energizing the team, and stepping up as a leader.

“You can tell the team’s improved with players like that,” Kerr mentioned.

Brown took a while to see the full extent of Hart’s influence.

One of the key changes Brown envisioned early in the season was moving Mitchell Robinson to the starting lineup, thinking Hart could be more efficient coming off the bench. Consequently, Hart played as a reserve in the first 14 games of the season. However, Brown’s coaching staff encouraged him to reconsider this approach. He did, and Hart has started ever since.

This adjustment helped lead the Knicks to the Finals for the first time since 1999.

“Josh embodies a craftsman mentality; he’s a connector,” Brown stated. “One of the best I’ve encountered. In my opinion, he and Iguodala are the top two. When he performs at his best, it simplifies the game for everyone else.”

How does Hart feel about the comparison?

“Andre was incredibly talented and clearly a better player in this league,” Hart noted. “But I think we can be like an older, less athletic scoring version of him. That’s cool; Andre is a highly respected figure in the game.”

Hart is aware, too, that his contributions can easily go unnoticed or underappreciated.

“I take pride in it,” Hart remarked. “People often focus on the numbers but overlook the nuances in the game. Some think that just putting five scorers on the floor will guarantee success, but that’s not the way it works.”

“Every situation is different. I aim to link players together, support them, and create a flow. It might get ignored, but I find it meaningful.”

Brown has reflected on how this Knicks team resembles the championship Warriors and Spurs teams he was part of, emphasizing a collective mentality geared toward sacrifice.

Kerr echoes this sentiment, recognizing a consistent theme in all nine championship teams he’s been associated with as a player or coach.

“I can sense it developing,” Kerr said. “The players seem genuinely dedicated to something larger than themselves. It might sound clichéd, but it’s real. You can feel it in the air, and there’s a unique energy that surpasses individual efforts. When players tap into that, it’s genuinely special.”

No one exemplifies that sacrifice quite like Hart.